Super Bowl LI
Led by 28–3, fell short in historic comeback; Atlanta's closest brush with a title.
Super Bowl LI took place on February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, featuring the Atlanta Falcons against the New England Patriots. The Falcons entered the game as NFC champions with an 11–5 regular-season record, led by league MVP quarterback Matt Ryan and the NFL's top offense. They were seeking their first Super Bowl title in just their second appearance, having last played in Super Bowl XXXIII in 1998. Despite a dominant performance that saw them build what appeared to be an insurmountable lead, the game became the first Super Bowl ever decided in overtime.
- Date
- February 5, 2017
- Location
- NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Opponent
- New England Patriots
- Final Score
- Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT)
- Key Statistic
- Led by 25 points in the 4th quarter
- MVP
- Tom Brady (Patriots QB)
Lore & Background
The Falcons dominated the early stages of the contest, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to take a 21–3 halftime lead. They extended this advantage to 28–3 midway through the third quarter, putting them on the verge of their first championship. However, the Patriots mounted an unprecedented comeback, scoring 25 unanswered points to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. In overtime, New England won the coin toss and scored a touchdown to win 34–28. The Falcons' offense could not respond on their possession, ending their quest for the title.
In Their Own Story
Atlanta's path to Super Bowl LI was built on an 11–5 regular season that secured them the NFC's second seed. Under Matt Ryan, who was named league MVP, they boasted the top offense in the NFL. The game began as a showcase of their offensive prowess, with three straight touchdowns establishing a commanding lead. By the middle of the third quarter, they were up 28–3. Yet, the momentum shifted dramatically when New England scored 25 consecutive points to force overtime. With the championship within reach, the Falcons' offense stalled in the extra period, allowing the Patriots to score a touchdown and seal the victory.
Reader's Guide
For Atlanta fans, Super Bowl LI remains a defining chapter defined by both peak promise and historic reversal. The game is remembered for the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, as New England erased a 28–3 deficit. While more than 30 team and individual records were broken or matched during the contest—including Tom Brady's 466 passing yards and James White's 14 receptions—Atlanta's legacy from the game centers on the collapse of their lead. The loss denied the franchise its first title, extending a championship drought that began in 1998.
Did You Know?
- Super Bowl LI was the first Super Bowl ever to be decided in overtime.
- The Falcons led 28–3 midway through the third quarter before New England scored 25 unanswered points.
- Matt Ryan was named league MVP for the season, leading the NFL's top offense.
- This was only the second Super Bowl appearance in Atlanta franchise history.
- The game featured more than 30 team and individual Super Bowl records broken or matched.
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