The New England Patriots may be the most hated team in online NFL betting, but what Belichick and company were able to accomplish at the NRG Stadium this past Sunday will go down in history as one of the most memorable, unsurpassable moments in sportsbook history.
Putting aside all the remarkable records New England set yesterday; first head coach to win 5 Super Bowls, first quarterback to win 5 Super Bowls, first quarterback to win 4 Super Bowl MVPs, the manner in which the Patriots were able to overcome the hottest team in the NFL was unforgettable to say the least.
The Atlanta Falcons enjoyed a heavy dose of success in the regular season that nearly got tripled in the postseason. Once in the playoffs, the Falcons made quick work of whichever team they faced. Atlanta’s early season success guaranteed them a first round bye, and unlike the Cowboys who were unable to win their first playoff game, the Falcons tore apart the Seattle Seahawks 36-20. In their next contest the Falcons humiliated the Green Bay Packers in front of thousands of screaming fans. And the way they started the Super Bowl, made it seem like another online NFL betting beat down was on the horizon.
Even though most people who bet on NFL games were expecting this year’s Super Bowl to be a shootout, the title game actually got out to an unexpectedly slow start. So slow in fact that neither team were able to put points on the board before the 1st quarter ended. At this point, most sportsbook fans were beginning to worry that this year’s Super Bowl would end up being as boring as last year’s, but it wasn’t long before both the Falcons and Patriots made it clear that this was a Super Bowl unlike any other.
In the second quarter, the Falcons were able to find their stride. Amidst long-runs from Devonta Freeman, perfect passes from Matt Ryan, and even a pick-6, Atlanta found themselves on the right side of a 21-3 lead. At this point it seemed like New England’s online NFL betting hopes were all but diminished; no team had ever come back from a 10-point deficit in the Super Bowl and the Patriots were nowhere near close to stopping the Falcons’ red hot offense.
After amassing a 21-3 lead, Atlanta headed for the locker room. While we may have no inclination as to what words were spoken in the Falcons locker room, it’s clear that it was not what the team needed to hear. Meanwhile, Brady and Belichick knew exactly what to say to get their team on the right track.
After Lady Gaga’s breathtaking performance, both teams stepped back onto the gridiron to determine who would hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy. The Falcons were receiving the opening kick and were able to march down the field and delivered another touchdown, making it a 28-3 lead Atlanta was enjoying. But a 25 point deficit would not be enough to stop the greatest quarterback in Super Bowl history.
Down 28-3 Brady was able to put together a drive that yielded a touchdown. However, luck was still not on the Pats side as they would go on to miss the extra point, as well as the subsequent onside kick. 28-9 is what the scoreboard read as sportsbook fans prepared for the 4th-quarter, one that would prove to be historic in every definition of the word.
Somehow, New England’s defense was able to stall the Falcons offense. This opened a window of opportunity for Brady to put some points on the board and get his team back into it, which is exactly what the 5-time Super Bowl Champion did.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Patriots’ newfound defense, and Brady’s mastery of the comeback, the Patriots were able to deliver 25 unanswered points to send the Super Bowl into overtime – the first time an NFL title game had to go beyond regulation. At this point it was clear that all the momentum, and luck, had shifted in New England’s favor.
The Patriots ended up winning the overtime coin toss. After overcoming the gargantuan deficit New England had just prevailed over, it was clear that there was nothing Atlanta could do to stop the vengeful Patriots. Brady led his team down the field, and a short rushing play guaranteed that New England would once again hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The night proved indelible in every way, and the picture of Brady and Belichick giggling behind the commissioner was the perfect ending to a perfect Super Bowl.
