Super Bowl Recap: “Never bet against Tom Brady and the Patriots”
This past Sunday, football fans around the world witnessed a game for the ages.
On February 5, over 113.4 million Americans tuned in to watch the league MVP Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons take on arguably the greatest QB of all time, Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 51. The Falcons hoped to win their first ever Super Bowl, while the Patriots looked to bring a fifth Super Bowl ring to Boston – all won in the last 14 years.
In the Super Bowl’s first overtime game in history, Brady constructed the biggest comeback win in Super Bowl history, leading his team to a 34-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
The game started off pretty defensive, as both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter. The second quarter on the other hand was a complete turnaround. The Patriots turned the ball over twice, one fumble by running back, Legarrette Blount and one interception by Brady which was taken 82 yards, to the house, for a Falcons TD by cornerback Robert Alford.
The Falcons were able to get two touchdowns off the two turnovers they forced in the second quarter. They established a sense of rhythm on the run game that complemented Ryan’s passing game. At the end of the first half the Falcons were up 21-3. If that wasn’t already too deep a hole for the Patriots to get out of, the Falcons continued to pummel the Patriots defense, scoring another touchdown in the third quarter. 28-3 Falcons.
It’s safe to say that at this point most of America thought that the Falcons had won the game. I even called the biggest Patriots fan I know to mock Brady and made fun of the Patriots, Mr. Weinshel. Actor and Patriots’ super fan himself, Mark Wahlberg, left the game early.
The Patriots finished the third quarter with a TD but kicker Stephen Gostkowski ended up missing the extra point – hitting the right post. So the Patriots were down by 19 in the fourth quarter and it looked like it was only going to get worse as the Falcons were on the move until a 3rd & 1 play in which linebacker Dont’a Hightower sacked Matt Ryan causing a fumble recovered by Alan Branch.
The turnover completely turned the game around for the Pats. After that Tom Brady took over. He finished the end of regulation going 9/12 for 120 yards along with a TD. The Patriots were able to capitalize on the turnover and the momentum which swung their way, and the Brady led offense put up 19 points in the fourth quarter. Can you say CLUTCH? His leadership and stellar performance brought his team back into the game to a 28-28 tie leading to the first ever overtime game in a Super Bowl.
It took the Patriots 3:58 to go 75 yards and score a touchdown. James White ran a toss from Brady, two yards into the endzone. This completed the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.
I’m sure we’re all aware that people are starting to say how Tom Brady is the GREATEST quarterback of all time. Is he? It’s upto you to decide for yourself as it is a debate that won’t be settled anytime soon.
His marvelous resume includes: 7 Super Bowl appearances, 5 time Super Bowl Champion (more than any other QB), 4 time Super Bowl MVP, 2 time league MVP, 12x Pro Bowler and 4th all-time in passing yards, completions and TDs.
With now another Super Bowl ring to his name, Brady is certainly a first-round ballot hall-of-famer.