As you may know by now, the New England Patriots are the champions of Super Bowl LI. You may also know that Tom Brady led his team on a 31-0 run after trailing 28-3 to win in overtime 34-28 over the Atlanta Falcons.
Many people have various questions and wonder if the Patriots won the game or if the Falcons lost it. Here is my take on Super Bowl LI.
Did the Patriots win the game or did the Falcons lose it?
I do not mean any offense to Tom Brady and I admit he is the Greatest Quarterback Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) but the Falcons lost this game. The fact that the Falcons were up 28-3 and managed to somehow lose the game is astonishing! If not for a few terrible play calls and self-imposed penalties, the Falcons would be sitting here today as Super Bowl champions.
What was the turning point in the game?
This is obvious! The turning point in the game was when Dont'a Hightower sacked QB Matt Ryan causing Ryan to fumble and lead to the Patriots having the football. This play in the game is important because the Patriots gained momentum after this play and you know the rest.
Who is to blame for the Falcon's loss?
Some may want to blame Matt Ryan because his lost fumble led to the Patriots momentum, but this loss is on Dan Quinn and Kyle Shanahan. It is 3rd and 1 in the Patriots territory and instead of choosing to hand the ball to Devonta Freeman, you choose to throw the ball. By running the ball, you would of kept the clock running and either got the first down to keep the drive going or given the option to go for it on fourth down. You should know better than to give Tom Brady and Bill Belichick time on the clock to go down field.
Is Tom Brady the G.O.A.T. when it comes to quarterbacks?
Definitely. This win cements his legacy as a champion. Although the Falcons made the mistake to help put him in this position, you have to give him credit.
Do you see the Falcons going back to the Super Bowl next year?
I believe it is possible, but unfortunately I do not see them in Super Bowl LII and for two reasons. The first reason is that this Super Bowl loss will have an effect on the team, plus I do not believe in Steve Sarkisian as an offensive coordinator. The other reason is because as a resident in the State of Georgia, I believe Atlanta and the entire state of Georgia is cursed. It may be a while until a professional Atlanta team wins a championship in a professional sport. Let's just hope things change soon!
Although I am not a Falcons fan, the Super Bowl loss had me confused and in total shock. I believe everybody on the Falcons can learn from this loss and improve.