Super Bowl 2017 live NFL: New England Patriots v Atlanta Falcons scores, updates
The New England Patriots have rallied from a 25-point deficit, the biggest in Super Bowl history, to stun the Atlanta Falcons.
- Patriots cap comeback
- Scores level
- Falcons extend lead
- Crowd goes Gaga
- Brady’s horror show
- Atlanta’s Iceman delivers
The New England Patriots have scored a record comeback win to secure their fifth Super Bowl with a 34-28 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Patriots, who overcame a 25-point deficit, came alive with a 19-point fourth quarter to force overtime where they put the finishing touches on their comeback when James White scored on a two-yard run.
Brady, the first quarterback with five Super Bowl rings, guided the Patriots (17-2) through a tiring Atlanta defence for fourth-quarter touchdowns on a 6-yard pass to Danny Amendola and a 1-yard run by White, which came with 57 seconds remaining in regulation.
White ran for the first 2-pointer and Amendola did the deed with a reception on the second.
Brady finished 43 for 62, the most attempts in Super Bowl history, for 466 yards and two touchdowns.
“You know, we all brought each other back,” Brady said. “We never felt out of it. It was a tough battle. They have a great team. I give them a lot of credit. We just made a few more plays than them.”
Before the stunning rally - New England already held the biggest comeback in the final period when it turned around a 10-point deficit to beat Seattle two years ago - the Falcons (13-6) appeared poised to take their first NFL championship in 51 seasons.
Having never been in such a pressurized environment, their previously staunch pass rush disappeared, and Brady tore them apart. “Deflategate” far behind them, Brady and Bill Belichick won their 25th postseason game, by far a record.
It’s hard to imagine a more tense victory. Belichick became the first coach with five Super Bowl crowns. The Patriots won the coin toss for overtime and it was no contest.
What an amazing comeback and win by the Patriots. Tom Brady, Bob Kraft and Coach B are total winners. Wow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 6, 2017
Brady completed six passes. A pass interference call took the ball to the 2, and White scooted to his right and barely over the goal line.
His teammates streamed off the sideline to engulf White as confetti streamed down from the NRG Stadium rafters.
The Falcons, who had gone into the game boasting one of the most potent offenses in history, were left distraught and still waiting for their first ever Super Bowl.
They had appeared to be roaring to the championship with quarterback Matt Ryan pulling apart the Patriots in the first half.
But the patriots trimmed the lead in the second half, and took advantage of some crucial Falcons blunders.
Brady marched his team upfield and White scampered in from one yard to make it 28-26. Another two-point conversion followed to make it 28-28 and take the game to overtime for the first time in history.
The Patriots won the toss and elected to receive and with momentum clearly on their side, there was only going to be one outcome.
Brady, just as he had done in his first Super Bowl victory in 2002, nervelessly led his team upfield and soon they were camped on the Atlanta line.
It was left to White to score his third touchdown of the night to clinch an amazing victory
• Lady Gaga thrilled the crowd with her halftime show, in the biggest appearance of her career - Read here.
How the game unfolded:
2.25pm: Patriots win!
The New England Patriots have rallied from a 25-point deficit, the biggest in Super Bowl history, to stun the Atlanta Falcons. Patriots running back James White scored on a two-yard touchdown rush to seal the victory, which came on the first drive of overtime.
Quarterback Tom Brady marched his team 75 yards on eight plays to snatch victory, his and New England’s fifth Super Bowl win.
Falcons 28-34 Patriots
2.20pm: Record rally
For the record, the biggest previous deficit to win a Super Bowl was 10 points. Remember, the Patriots trailed this one 28-3.
2.15pm: Historic NFL result
The Super Bowl is headed to overtime for the first time in NFL history, after the final seconds were played out without any further scoring. A touchdown will win it automatically for either team, and the Patriots get first use of the ball.
2.05pm: Scores level!
James White rushes for a touchdown to get the Patriots within two, and their two-point conversion succeeds with a pass to Danny Amendola. Incredible finish, with just 57 seconds remaining.
Falcons 28-28 Patriots
2pm: Patriots drive
New England have one last chance to tie the game up, but they’ll need a touchdown and a two-point conversion. This incredible catch will help their cause:
Julian Edelman with the greatest catch in Super bowl history if the Pats win it. #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/UbL62jfwmn
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherKFAN) February 6, 2017
1.45pm: Game on!
After forcing a fumble from Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, the Patriots take just five plays to score a touchdown. Danny Amendola gets the score. A two-point conversion suddenly gives them a shot at victory.
Falcons 28-20 Patriots
The Patriots get close to Atlanta’s end zone but they are able only to post a field goal. The drive takes five minutes off the clock, and time is not New England’s friend at the moment. They need touchdowns in a hurry to get back into this.
Falcons 28-12 Patriots
Who's not winning Super Bowl LI pic.twitter.com/qseAdtgvZ5
— Savage Biden (@SavageBiden) February 6, 2017
1.15pm: Patriots finally answer
New England make a game of it with a five-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady reducing the deficit, but it’s still a mountain to climb for the Super Bowl favourite. The fact that it’s taken Brady almost three quarters to throw for a Patriots touchdown tells you all you need to know about this game. The extra point attempt clangs off the upright - no good.
Falcons 28-9 Patriots
1pm: Falcons swoop again
Meanwhile, the job ahead of the Patriots gets harder, as Atlanta score again to pad their lead. Matt Ryan connects with running back Tevin Coleman on a short pass to cap an eight-play, 85-yard drive. Extra point is good
Falcons 28-3 Patriots
12.50pm: Mic drop with a twist
The early response to Lady Gaga’s show has been positive, with many praising her spectacular high-wire entry to the arena, and delivery of her hit songs.
‘As far as Satanic rituals go, that was pretty entertaining’: Twitter loved Lady Gaga’s halftime show https://t.co/em1El2XDqv pic.twitter.com/ZYliG7eOYQ
— Raw Story (@RawStory) February 6, 2017
I want jumping gifs stat! Bravo @ladygaga 🙌ðŸ»
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) February 6, 2017
BREAKING: Cleveland Browns reportedly showing 'strong interest' with Lady Gaga after seeing her catch a pass during her halftime show pic.twitter.com/wDeqTZbj34
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) February 6, 2017
12.35pm: Crowd goes Gaga
Lady Gaga has thrilled the crowd at her Super Bowl halftime show in the biggest appearance of her career.
After calling for “one nation under God” the silver-clad singer launched into a medley of her biggest hits including Poker Face, Telephone and Bad Romance. Earlier, Gaga promised a show “infused with the spirit of equality. Before the game, singers Phillipa Soo, Renee Elise Goldsberry and Jasmine Cephas Jones - the Schuyler sisters from the original cast of Broadway’s hit Hamilton - brought some exquisite three-part harmony to a version of America the Beautiful. They made an inclusive editing choice, with Jones adding “and sisterhood” to the lyrical reference of brotherhood.
Country star Luke Bryan played it straight for The Star Spangled Banner, adding few showy flourishes while taking care not to rush through the moment.
12.25pm: First half by the numbers
As most punters enjoy Lady Gaga’s half-time show, we’ll give you some of the key stats from the first 30 minutes of play.
For the Falcons, Matt Ryan has completed seven of eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown; Running back Devonta Freeman has six carries for 71 yards and a touchdown; Julio Jones has three catches for 60 yards.
For the Patriots, Tom Brady has completed 16 of 26 passes for 184 yards but with a costly interception; running back LeGarrette Blount has just 16 yards from eight carries; James White has 55 yards from five receptions.
12pm: Patriots finally on the board
New England gets a field goal in the shadows of half-time to reduce the deficit. They had a big gain called back because of a holding penalty, ensuring that three points was all they could muster. Patriots in big trouble at half-time, and Atlanta get the ball first in the second half.
Falcons 21-3 Patriots
Tom Brady's first touchdown in Super Bowl 51...but for the wrong team pic.twitter.com/BqNHbucyUs
— The Football Bible™ (@TheFBBible) February 6, 2017
11.45am: Nightmare for Tom Brady
A stunner for the Patriots quarterback, as he throws an interception that’s returned for a touchdown by the Falcons defence. The Patriots had driven to Atlanta’s 23-yard line as they desperately sought some points, but Robert Alford took it 82 yards the other way to put the Falcons well on top with just over two minutes to play in the half.
Falcons 21-0 Patriots
11.30am: The Iceman delivers
Matt Ryan finds tight end Austin Hooper for a 19-yard touchdown to increase Atlanta’s lead. Ryan has been stellar so far in his first Super Bowl, completing seven of eight passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. A couple of big third-down conversions have been crucial. Extra point is good, with 8min 55sec to play in the half.
Falcons 14-0 Patriots
Atlanta opens the scoring after a crucial turnover from Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount. The Falcons took over at their own 29-yard line and after a couple of long passes to star wide receiver Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman runs it in for the Falcons. The extra point is good.
Falcons 7-0 Patriots
Contrary to all expectations, the opening 15 minutes has not produced a single point. Both quarterbacks struggled as the defences proved up to the task of stopping the much-vaunted attacking architects.
It's been a defensive showdown in the #SuperBowl as the #Falcons & #Patriots have each recorded 2 sacks
— Armchair NFL (@ArmchairNFL) February 6, 2017
No score after the 1st quarter pic.twitter.com/5aBErIewaq
10.55am: QBs face the heat early
Tom Brady and Matt Ryan have both copped some big hits as defence dominates the opening stages of Super Bowl 51. Ryan was sacked on the opening drive, while Brady has already been brought down twice by the Falcons defence.
10.40am: Falcons on the run
The Falcons get the first big play of the game, as running back Devonta Freeman peels off a 37-yard run on Atlanta’s first play. The underdogs are forced to punt after making near the halfway line.
10.35am: Game is underway
The Falcons kick off, giving the Patriots first use off the football. Not a good start, though, as Tom Brady and co are forced to punt after a three-and-out.
10.30am: By George, he made it
The 92-year-old George Bush, the 41st President of the US, has been introduced with wife Barbara as special guests of the event. The pair appear in wheelchairs to huge applause. Bush has battled ill health recently.
#SuperBowl
— Rhonda Barket (@RhondaBarket) February 5, 2017
Now I'm crying â¤ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘👠pic.twitter.com/zL0dxqZEXt
10.15am: Stars collide
10am: Main players take aim
The key players in today’s game have taken to the field for some pre-game throws.
9.55am: Making the Super Bowl great again?
The President has tweeted about the game, but no sign on who he’s supporting:
Enjoy the #SuperBowl and then we continue: MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 5, 2017
Lady Gaga will be only the 8th performer to headline the #SuperBowl solo without any guests.
— Lady Gaga Daily (@gagadaily) February 5, 2017
Preview
Tom Brady and the Patriots will be chasing history as they attempt to stop the Falcons from claiming their first NFL championship in Super Bowl 51.
More than 100 million homes across the US and millions more worldwide will tune in for the American football showpiece, which sees Brady aiming to become the most decorated quarterback of all time.
The 39-year-old superstar will become the first quarterback to win five Super Bowl crowns if he manages to guide the Patriots to victory over the Falcons before a crowd of around 72,000 spectators at the NRG Stadium.
But it’s not all about the game. Every year more than 30 companies vie to create the most-remembered 30 to 90 seconds of the Super Bowl by stuffing ads with Hollywood stars, humour and cute animals.
Here is a preview of what viewers will see
Much of the pre-game attention has focused on what Lady Gaga will produce in her half-time show. The singer has been a vocal opponent of Donald Trump and supported Hillary Clinton during the US election campaign.
Blanket security will be in place for the game, which takes place at a time of roiling political tensions across the United States following President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration order.
Pop diva Lady Gaga, an outspoken critic of Trump, will have the eyes of the nation — including US Vice President Mike Pence inside the stadium — on her during the halftime show.
A win on Sunday would come 15 years after Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s first Super Bowl triumph in 2002.
It would also represent a satisfying last laugh for Brady following his long-running battle with National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell.
Brady was forced to miss the first four games of the season after losing a legal battle against the NFL over the 2015 Deflategate scandal, which saw the Patriots superstar accused of cheating by attempting to alter the pressure of balls to his advantage during a key championship game.
Revenge and redemption
It has led to the prospect of Goodell having to possibly hand over the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Brady and his teammates.
Goodell, for his part, has attempted to damp down any possibility of an awkward trophy presentation, acknowledging Brady’s glittering career during the build-up.
“Tom Brady is one of the all-time greats. He has been for several years,” Goodell said, adding it would be an “honour” to present the Lombardi Trophy to the quarterback.
Brady has done his talking on the field this season. He averaged just under 300 passing yards a game in the regular season, and was magnificent in a comprehensive 36-17 demolition of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game two weeks ago.
But even Brady’s stats pale in comparison with those of his opposite number, Matt Ryan, who received recognition for a stellar season on Saturday after being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player for 2016.
Ryan has led the most potent offence in the league, averaging more than 365 yards a game in the post-season, and just over 300 yards during the regular season.
‘Matty Ice’ stays cool
Ryan, 31, reached the Super Bowl after four unsuccessful previous playoff appearances.
There was not the slightest hint of nerves en route to Houston, though, when the Falcons crushed the Green Bay Packers 44-21 in the Georgia Dome to clinch only the second Super Bowl appearance in the team’s history.
The emphatic nature of that win has persuaded many Falcons fans that their long wait for a maiden Super Bowl title could be about to end.
Ryan — nicknamed “Matty Ice” by his teammates — said the team is comfortable with the burden of expectation.
“I’m sure everyone will be excited and anxious going into it. But as far as nerves, I feel like we’ve prepared ourselves for this moment,” Ryan said.
Ryan also knows that he has an array of weapons at his disposal, which includes arguably the best receiver in the league, Julio Jones, ably supported by the talented Mohamed Sanu and the speedy Taylor Gabriel.
Add in the dual running back threat of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, and it is easy to see why many pundits have installed the Falcons as favourites.
“As a quarterback, when you’re surrounded by really good players and guys who can make plays at any time, it makes your job a lot easier,” Ryan said.
Whether Belichick’s Patriots are able to clip the Falcons’ offensive wings may hold the key to the Super Bowl — and Brady’s hopes of a place in history.
Belichick and Brady led the Patriots for a relaxed photo session on the field with family at the NRG Stadium on Saturday.
“Now it’s the waiting game,” Belichick said. “But I think we’re ready.”
Additional reporting: AFP
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