28-3 Never Forget: Analyzing the Patriots’ Historic Super Bowl LI Comeback
Super Bowl LI. February 5, 2017. NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. These details are etched in the minds of NFL fans, especially those who witnessed what is now known as the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. The New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, overcame a seemingly insurmountable 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to win 34-28 in overtime. But how did it happen? Let’s dissect the key moments and strategic decisions that led to this unforgettable victory.
The Falcons Soar Early
The first half was dominated by the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan, then the league’s MVP, was surgical, connecting with Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman to build a commanding lead. The Falcons’ offense was firing on all cylinders, showcasing Kyle Shanahan’s innovative play-calling. Defensively, Atlanta was equally impressive, with Robert Alford intercepting Brady and returning it for a touchdown, further solidifying their advantage. At halftime, the score was 21-3, and the Falcons looked poised to capture their first Super Bowl title.
The third quarter saw more of the same. Ryan connected with Tevin Coleman for a touchdown, extending the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 28-3. ESPN’s win probability chart gave the Falcons a 99.8% chance of winning. Most fans likely believed the game was over.
The Turning Point: Hightower’s Strip Sack
With just over eight minutes left in the game, and the Falcons still holding a 28-12 lead, Dont’a Hightower executed a play that would shift the game’s momentum. On a third-and-10, Hightower blitzed, strip-sacked Ryan, and Kyle Van Noy recovered the fumble. This turnover gave the Patriots life and a short field to work with.
Brady’s Masterclass
Following the fumble recovery, Tom Brady orchestrated a series of masterful drives. He connected with James White and Danny Amendola for touchdowns, showcasing his precision and leadership. Stephen Gostkowski’s extra point miss after the first touchdown kept the score at 28-9, forcing the Patriots to go for two-point conversions on their subsequent touchdowns. Brady successfully converted both, first finding James White and then Danny Amendola, inching the Patriots closer.
Brady’s performance in the fourth quarter and overtime was nothing short of legendary. He completed 43 of 62 passes for a Super Bowl-record 466 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to remain calm and focused under immense pressure was crucial to the Patriots’ comeback.
The Edelman Catch: A Moment of Improbable Magic
With the Patriots trailing by eight points and just over two minutes remaining, Brady launched a deep pass down the sideline to Julian Edelman. In what can only be described as a miraculous play, Edelman, surrounded by three Falcons defenders, somehow managed to secure the catch just inches off the ground. The catch was initially ruled incomplete, but after review, it was confirmed, giving the Patriots a crucial first down.
White’s Heroics
While Brady earned MVP honors, James White’s performance was equally vital. The running back had a Super Bowl-record 14 receptions for 110 receiving yards and three touchdowns. His versatility as a receiver and runner made him a constant threat to the Falcons’ defense. In overtime, White capped off the comeback with a two-yard touchdown run, securing the Patriots’ fifth Super Bowl title.
Questionable Falcons Play-Calling
While the Patriots’ comeback was remarkable, the Falcons’ collapse was equally significant. With the lead late in the game, Atlanta’s play-calling became conservative and, arguably, detrimental. Instead of running the ball to bleed the clock, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan opted for pass plays that resulted in a sack and a holding penalty, pushing them out of field goal range.
Dan Quinn’s decision to allow Shanahan to continue calling passing plays in that situation has been heavily scrutinized. Many believe that running the ball and kicking a field goal would have iced the game for the Falcons.
The Overtime Drive
Winning the coin toss in overtime, the Patriots capitalized on their opportunity. Brady led the offense down the field, completing five consecutive passes. A pass interference penalty put the ball on the two-yard line, setting up White’s game-winning touchdown run.
Records Shattered
Super Bowl LI was a record-breaking affair. Tom Brady set new Super Bowl records for most pass attempts (62), most completions (43), and most passing yards (466). James White’s 14 receptions were also a Super Bowl record. The Patriots’ 37 first downs and 93 offensive plays were also Super Bowl records.
The Aftermath
The 28-3 comeback remains a defining moment in NFL history. It solidified Tom Brady’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and cemented Bill Belichick’s status as a coaching genius. For the Atlanta Falcons, the loss was a devastating blow that the franchise has struggled to overcome. The game serves as a reminder that in the NFL, no lead is ever truly safe, and anything can happen until the final whistle.