Super Bowl LI vs New England Patriots
The greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl LI was an American football game played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on February 5, 2017, to determine the champion of the National Football League (NFL) for the 2016 season. The American Football Conference (AFC) champion New England Patriots defeated the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime. Super Bowl LI featured the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, with the Patriots overcoming a 28–3 deficit to emerge victorious. The game was also the first Super Bowl (and first league championship since 1958) to be decided in overtime.
Lore & Background
The Patriots' victory was their fifth, moving them into a three-way tie with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers for the second-most Super Bowl wins. After finishing the regular season with a league-best 14–2 record, New England advanced to their record-setting ninth Super Bowl appearance and their seventh under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. The Falcons, led by the league's top offense and MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, finished the regular season with an 11–5 record and the NFC's second seed. They were seeking their first Super Bowl title in their second appearance after last playing in 1998's Super Bowl XXXIII.
Reader's Guide
Atlanta scored three consecutive touchdowns to take a 21–3 halftime lead, which they increased to 28–3 midway through the third quarter. However, the Patriots scored 25 unanswered points to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. In overtime, New England received the kickoff after winning the coin toss and scored a touchdown to claim the title. More than 30 team and individual Super Bowl records were broken or matched during the game, including Patriots running back James White's 14 receptions and 20 points scored and Brady's 62 attempts, 43 completions, and 466 passing yards. Brady was named Super Bowl MVP for a record fourth time and was the oldest player to receive the honor at 39; he would surpass both records in Super Bowl LV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of this historic matchup?
Despite leading by 28 points in the third quarter, the Falcons lost to the Patriots with a final score of 34-28. The game went into overtime before New England secured the victory.
Why is Super Bowl LI considered one of the most dramatic games ever?
This contest holds the record for the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, as the Patriots erased a massive 25-point deficit. It remains a defining moment of heartbreak for Atlanta Falcons supporters.
Who was named the Most Valuable Player of the game?
Julian Edelman from the New England Patriots earned the MVP award for his clutch performance during the comeback. He made several critical catches that helped shift the momentum against Atlanta.
How did the Falcons' lead collapse in the second half?
The team squandered a commanding 28-3 halftime advantage through defensive breakdowns and missed opportunities late in regulation. This allowed New England to force overtime, where they eventually scored the winning touchdown.
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