Was it the greatest comeback in Super Bowl History or was it the worst case of an implosion ever exhibited on the big stage? I watched the New England Patriots lead by their four-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady overcome a 21 to 3 halftime deficit to win in overtime 34 to 28. Many say Brady is the greatest QB in NFL history and I’m not sure that anyone can honestly argue that point. Brady finished the game with over four hundred and sixty-six yards passing and at least eight super bowl records.
New England is accustomed to playing in the big game found themselves in a battle early as it appeared as though the Falcons took flight on their first possession as running back DeVonta Freeman took a hand off from Matt Ryan and sprinted 37 yards for a first down. The young running back like most of his teammates was playing in his first Super Bowl and already had 37 yards to his credit. Atlanta’s’ opening drive ended with a punt, and both teams went back and forth without a score.
The second quarter is when things became interesting as Atlanta’s’ defensive attack continued pressuring Brady causing him to miss his intended targets.The Falcons also thwarted the Patriots running game, containing LeGarrete Blount and even forced the New England running back to give up a fumble. Atlanta’s’ next possession saw Freeman score on a 5-yard touchdown run; followed by Matt Ryan connecting with tight end Austin Hooper on a 19-yard pass for another TD. The Falcons capped their second quarter scoring with Robert Alford picking off a Brady pass and racing 82 yards for another touchdown.
The Patriots would only get a field goal before halftime, and at this point, yours truly thought the Falcons were on their way to upsetting the football world by beating the Patriots.My confidence grew when the birds opened the third quarter with Tevin Coleman catching a short touchdown pass from Ryan putting Atlanta up 28 to 3. But then my bubble burst; Over the next 23 minutes and 31 seconds New England rolled off 25 unanswered points. Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 33-yard field goal, Danny Amendola caught a touchdown pass and running back James White scored on a 1 yard run with less than a minute left in the game followed by the game-tying two-point conversion. What?!
The Falcons went from soaring to just straight up losing their wings at the end of regulation. The only hope I had that the red and black could pull off the win now depended on Atlanta winning the coin toss which decided who would get the ball first in overtime.The Patriots won the toss and got the ball on their 25 yard line after the Falcons kick off went out of the back of the end zone. Then with Brady under center, the New England drove 75 yards in 8 plays using a little less than four minutes and scored the winning touchdown.
Atlanta leads the game for 41 minutes and at one point lead by 25 points.The Falcons Defense looked dominate in the first half, but was unable to stop one man. White in the second half caught a super bowl record 14 passes and scored three touchdowns including the game winner.
So I ask you was this the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history or the worst meltdown?
Trevin A Jones
