Game Rewind: WOW! The Patriots overcame a 25 point deficit and beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28. With the win, the Patriots are bringing home their fifth Lombardi Trophy and second in the last three years.
Here are five thoughts on this historic and improbable comeback by the Patriots.
1. Tom Brady Was Once Again a Football God: Forget about the numbers! Brady is the greatest football player of all time! Period! He willed the Patriots to victory as only he can. Sure, Julian Edelman made a spectacular catch and the defense played well down the stretch but in the end, the Patriots won because of Brady, his greatness and his desire to win.
2. A Tale of Two Halves: The Patriots were in the team hotel in the first half, showed up at half time and won the game. In all seriousness, Atlanta completely outplayed the Patriots for the first three quarters. Bill Belichick and his staff made some great adjustments on both sides during the half and in the third quarter and that was the difference in the game.
New England did a much better job in pass pro, they were more patient on offense and they started to mix up their pressures defensively. Coaching wins you football games. The Patriots out coached the Falcons in the second half of that game last night.
3. James White Had a Performance for the Ages: What a performance by James White last night. We kind of figured that he could play a prominent role in this game like Shane Vereen did two years ago but no one though he would catch 14 passes for 110 yards and score three touchdowns. White was a match up advantage and the Patriots took advantage of that match up all game long. It is a credit to Josh McDaniels and his play calling but to Tom Brady as well for trusting White.
4. The Catch, New England Style: Julian Edelman’s circus catch in the fourth quarter of last night’s game is the greatest catch in Super Bowl history. Yes, it is better than the Tyree catch. I still can’t believe Edelman came down with it. The concentration he showed on the play was remarkable. It will not only go down as a great catch in Patriots lore but Super Bowl lore as well.
5. Heart, Heart, Heart: Boy does this football team have heart. My goodness. Overcoming a 25 point deficit in the Super Bowl takes more talent. It takes belief, toughness, execution and above all else, heart. The Patriots proved that last night in overcoming what seemed like an insurmountable deficit. How can you not love this team? Seriously.