Tom Brady, Patriots close impossible deficit to win Super Bowl 51 in OT
HOUSTON — Add the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history — and, given the stakes, perhaps in NFL history — to the New England Patriots’ list of accomplishments.
On a night that was supposed to be about Deflategate vengeance or about reaffirming all-time greatness, the Patriots checked those boxes and far, far more. They used a rally for the ages to add to their collection of Lombardi Trophies by defeating the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28, in overtime here Sunday evening in a remarkable Super Bowl LI.
The Patriots trailed by 21-0 in the first half, by 28-3 in the third quarter and by 28-9 entering the fourth quarter. Yet they secured their fifth Super Bowl triumph in seven appearances in the big game with Bill Belichick as their coach and Tom Brady as their quarterback.
Brady, in a season that began with him serving his four-game suspension for his alleged role in the Patriots’ supposed scheme to use under-inflated footballs in the first half of the AFC title game two years ago, moved past Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw for the most Super Bowl victories by a quarterback. Belichick moved ahead of Chuck Noll for the most such wins by a head coach.
No team ever had come from more than 10 points behind to win a Super Bowl. And no Super Bowl ever had gone into overtime.
The Patriots pulled off that double feat. They got the ball first in overtime and drove to tailback James White’s two-yard touchdown run 3 minutes 58 seconds into overtime.
Brady threw for 466 yards and two touchdowns on 43-for-62 passing. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns.
For most of the night, the Patriots mixed turnovers with spotty pass protection, no running game and dropped passes on offense. Tailback LeGarrette Blount lost a first-half fumble and Brady threw an interception that was returned 82 yards for a touchdown by Atlanta cornerback Robert Alford. The Falcons got a touchdown run by tailback Devonta Freeman and touchdown passes by Ryan to tight end Austin Hooper and running back Tevin Coleman.
But Brady threw a third-quarter touchdown pass to White. The Patriots got closer with a field goal by kicker Stephen Gostkowski in the fourth quarter, then converted a fumble by Ryan on a sack into Brady’s six-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Danny Amendola. After a successful two-point conversion, they were within eight points with just less than six minutes remaining.
They got the ball back and, aided by a remarkable juggling catch by wide receiver Julian Edelman, got even with 57 seconds left on White’s one-yard touchdown run and another two-point conversion.
The Falcons ranked 25th in the NFL during the regular season in total defense. They were 27th in scoring defense. But Atlanta has players on defense who are young and fast. The Falcons can rush the passer and generate turnovers. And they dominated Brady and the New England offense during a first half that ended with the Patriots trailing, 21-3.
The Patriots’ first four possessions resulted in three punts and Blount’s fumble. The Patriots seemed uninterested in attempting to establish the running game and, as has been the case in many of their most significant defeats over the years, they struggled to safeguard Brady. He was sacked twice on New England’s second drive of the game.
The Atlanta offense likewise had its issues getting moving, and the opening quarter was scoreless. But the Falcons started clicking early in the second quarter with back-to-back completions from Ryan to wide receiver Julio Jones. Freeman took over from there with carries on three straight plays, providing a five-yard touchdown by bouncing outside to the left and leaping into the end zone.
The Falcons got the ball back and made it 14-0. Ryan found Hooper matched up with Patriots safety Patrick Chung on the left side and threw a dart of a pass for a 19-yard touchdown.
The Patriots, aided by three defensive holding penalties on the Falcons, moved into position to get back into the game. But on a third-and-six play from the Atlanta 23-yard line, Brady forced a short throw intended for Amendola into heavy traffic. Alford made the interception, veered toward the sideline to his right and had only Brady between him and the opposite end zone. He easily eluded the quarterback and could stroll at the end of his 82-yard touchdown return, the second-longest on an interception in Super Bowl history.
The Patriots regrouped somewhat to get a 41-yard field goal by Gostkowski just before halftime. But it was more of the same in the third quarter. The Patriots got a stop on defense. But their drive ended with a drop by Edelman, and the Falcons responded with Ryan’s six-yard touchdown to Coleman.
Read this story at The Washington Post.
Police stand guard outside the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. Documentation involving the hotel discloses how President Trump is still benefiting from the hotel’s ownership. (John Minchillo/Associated Press)
New England Patriots’ James White gets into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders listen during the National Anthem before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman, top, is tackled by Atlanta Falcons’ Philip Wheeler during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman is up ended by Atlanta Falcons’ Philip Wheeler, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots players take the field before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Fans at NRG Stadium watch before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman (11) is upended by Atlanta Falcons’ Philip Wheeler during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Atlanta Falcons’ Alex Mack hikes the ball to Matt Ryan during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Falcons players take the field before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman runs against the New England Patriots defense during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots’ James White eludes Atlanta Falcons’ Keanu Neal, behind, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Atlanta Falcons’ Julio Jones catches a pass against the New England Patriots during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman dives in the end zone after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman runs for a touchdown during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots’ Ryan Allen punts agains the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady passes in the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Atlanta Falcons’ Austin Hooper catches a touchdown pass ahead of New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders stand on the sideline during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Atlanta Falcons’ Austin Hooper (81) makes a touchdown reception against New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung (23) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Atlanta Falcons’ Austin Hooper eyes a touchdown pass as New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung attempts to tackle, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
The New England Patriots celebrate after their overtime win in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady celebrates after winning the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center right, celebrates with a player after the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center right, celebrates with a player after the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Police stand guard outside the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. Documentation involving the hotel discloses how President Trump is still benefiting from the hotel’s ownership. (John Minchillo/Associated Press)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Singer Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots’ James White gets into the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The New England Patriots celebrate after their overtime win in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady celebrates after winning the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders listen during the National Anthem before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman, top, is tackled by Atlanta Falcons’ Philip Wheeler during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman is up ended by Atlanta Falcons’ Philip Wheeler, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New England Patriots players take the field before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Fans at NRG Stadium watch before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman (11) is upended by Atlanta Falcons’ Philip Wheeler during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Atlanta Falcons’ Alex Mack hikes the ball to Matt Ryan during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Falcons players take the field before the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman runs against the New England Patriots defense during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots’ James White eludes Atlanta Falcons’ Keanu Neal, behind, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Atlanta Falcons’ Julio Jones catches a pass against the New England Patriots during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman dives in the end zone after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Falcons’ Devonta Freeman runs for a touchdown during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots’ Ryan Allen punts agains the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/)
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady passes in the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Atlanta Falcons’ Austin Hooper catches a touchdown pass ahead of New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders stand on the sideline during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Atlanta Falcons’ Austin Hooper (81) makes a touchdown reception against New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung (23) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Atlanta Falcons’ Austin Hooper eyes a touchdown pass as New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung attempts to tackle, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Lady Gaga performs during the halftime show of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)