Super Bowl LI will no doubt be one that will be talked about for years to come. It was a multi-faceted, action packed, classic game of football. In the end, the New England Patriots came away with an overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons Grady Jarrett takes down New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady during the second half of the National Football League Super Bowl 51 on Sunday Feb. 5. (Darron Cummings/AP Photo)
This Super Bowl, however, was more than just a football game. It was a story of redemption, revenge and, in the end, the continuation of a dynasty.
For the Patriots, the game looked bleak for the first three and a half quarters. They were down by 18 points after the first half. As the clock ticked down and the quarters became minutes, it was clear that quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots would not quit. The Pats scored 19 points in the final quarter to the Falcons 0, forcing overtime. They then proceeded to win the coin toss and the stars began to align once again.
On their first drive in overtime, the Patriots scored a touchdown on a running play, giving Brady and head coach Bill Belichick their fifth rings: a true football dynasty.
The stats for this game are so hard to believe that it is almost comical. Brady completed an incredible 43 passes and two touchdowns. It was clear that he would not let this game slip from his grasp.
Brady was determined to prove to Boston, football commissioner Roger Goodell and the rest of the league that no matter how many obstacles he faces, he is one of the best quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
The most incredible part of this game was the fact that the Patriots never led before scoring the winning touchdown. It was a fairy tale ending. The Patriots did not lead for a single second and Goodell still handed the Lombardi trophy to Brady at the end of the game.
Brady’s revenge, to many, may seem complete. But if you asked him or Belichick, they would say that they are not finished. In his post-game interview, Belichick said that while this was a great win and a great feeling, they were already five weeks behind for next season. That is what is so scary about the Patriots. They are absolutely relentless.
During their victory parade, the entire city of Boston was heard chanting, “We want six!” They never settle. They are determined to prove that they are not only the best in the league, but the best team ever.
There is no doubt that their status as the biggest villains in the league was also cemented Sunday night. Not just because many people believe that they cheat, not just because they don’t get along with the league—because they do all of these things and continue to win.
So, the Patriots are Super Bowl Champions once again. And if you ask Belichick, Brady or any New England fan, they would say that a championship next year is more probable than not.