Super Bowl LI
A historic 28-3 lead turned into an unprecedented collapse against the Patriots.
Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, marked a heartbreaking chapter for the Atlanta Falcons. Led by MVP quarterback Matt Ryan and the league's top offense, the Falcons entered halftime with a commanding 28-3 lead against the New England Patriots. Despite finishing the regular season 11-5 as the NFC's second seed, seeking their first title since Super Bowl XXXIII in 1998, Atlanta could not hold the advantage. The game became defined by the largest comeback in Super Bowl history as New England overcame the deficit to win 34-28 in overtime.
- Date
- February 5, 2017
- Location
- NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- Opponent
- New England Patriots
- Final Score
- Falcons 28 - Patriots 34 (OT)
- Key Player
- Matt Ryan
- Halftime Lead
- 28-3
Lore & Background
Atlanta's offense dominated the first half, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to take a 21-3 halftime lead and extending it to 28-3 midway through the third quarter. The Falcons' defense held firm initially, but the momentum shifted when New England scored 25 unanswered points to tie the game in the final seconds of regulation. In overtime, after winning the coin toss, the Patriots received the kickoff and scored a touchdown to claim the title. More than 30 team and individual Super Bowl records were broken or matched during the contest, including Tom Brady's 466 passing yards and James White's 14 receptions and 20 points for New England.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of Super Bowl LI centers on the Falcons' inability to close out a game they seemingly controlled. After building a 28-3 lead, the team watched as the Patriots rallied from behind. Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP for a record fourth time at age 39, leading the charge with 43 completions on 62 attempts. The Falcons' quest for their first championship in just their second appearance ended abruptly when New England scored the winning touchdown in overtime following a coin toss victory. The game remains widely regarded by media outlets as one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played.
Reader's Guide
Fans can revisit the specific turning points that defined this historic matchup. Atlanta started strong with three straight touchdowns before halftime, but the Patriots' offense woke up to score 25 unanswered points. The regulation clock expired with the game tied, sending it into overtime for the first time in Super Bowl history. New England won the coin toss, received the kickoff, and drove down the field for a touchdown that secured the 34-28 victory. Matt Ryan's leadership of the league's top offense resulted in an 11-5 regular season record, but the overtime loss prevented Atlanta from adding their first title to their history.
Did You Know?
- Super Bowl LI was the first Super Bowl in history to be decided in overtime.
- The Falcons held a 28-3 lead, which remains the largest comeback overcome by an opponent in Super Bowl history.
- Tom Brady became the oldest player to receive Super Bowl MVP honors at age 39 during this game.
- Atlanta was seeking their first Super Bowl title in only their second appearance, having last played in Super Bowl XXXIII in 1998.
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