The New England Patriots (5-2) leave no doubt about the winner in Super Bowl LI’s rematch. Against the Atlanta Falcons (3-3) there was a success that was safe for a long time. The focus was on the playcalling of the guests as well as a large number of penalties.
The Patriots’ passing defense has been discredited throughout the season, but Massachusetts men should make it clear at an early stage that they want to make a difference. The Falcons-Offense, led by Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman, had the best performance of the season so far.
The Pats-Offense, for its part, once again operated over a large number of short passes and a high running back corps work rate. Rob Gronkowski was once again the most wanted target of Tom Brady (21/29,249 YDS, 2TD). At the first touchdown, however, the tight end acted in a blocking function, escorting Brandin Cooks from Brady to the end zone after a touch pass. Shortly before, the patriots benefited from a rough-the-passer penalty that prevented a possible interception.
The Falcons were in the way of the Special Teams. Matt Bryant, who is actually always sovereign, missed the first two attempts at field goal. The first out of 37 yards should have led the Falcons, but was blocked by Cassius Marsh. In the second attempt, Bryant from 36 yards only hit the left wing of the Upright in the third quarter.
The next approach was stopped at the beginning of the final quarter. The Falcons couldn’t get the ball from the one-yard line into the end zone. Playcalling was questionable in many situations of the game. In the first half, for example, 4th and Long were fortunate enough to win twice. With three bankruptcies in a row and major offensive problems, the Falcons now have to face some questions.
New England Patriots (5-2) – Atlanta Falcons (3-3)23:7 (0:0,17:0,3:0,3:7) BOXSCORE
Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
“It was a great victory for us. Everyone had their share and the Defense played incredibly well. We knew we had to play well in all three phases, and we did.”
Dan Quinn (Atlanta Falcons, Head Coach)
“The preparation and the plan are right. However, the design does not yet fit. We cannot yet realize our full potential. I don’t know why that’s the case.”
How do you stop this patriots’ campaign? The Falcons could not answer this question either. The pressure on Tom Brady wasn’t as great as Dan Quinn would have liked. De’ Vondre Campbell and Vic Beasley Jr. Collect two bags. But that’s all I could do. Brady got too much time from his line and used it with his usual consistency. The running game also benefited from the excellent line work. With Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White, there were three running backs for at least 4.8 yards per run.
Maybe the first big momentum changer that could have got the Falcons going. Brady left the pocket after a play-action play and decided to push for a long pass into the end zone towards Philipp Dorsett. On Dorsett’s side, however, were two defenders and Robert Alford came to the simple interception. However, a flag destroyed the Big Play. Adrian Clayborn went to late in Brady – Roughing the Passer. The pats came to the first touchdown of the match and the offense was not supposed to slow down anymore.
The evening could have got off to a bad start if the Roughing-the-Passer-Penalty hadn’t prevented the interception. But then Brady showed the whole repertoire once again. Short passes on the running backs, long in the direction of Gronkowski, Chris Hogan and Cooks and also a few bullet passes were present. Brady also shone at Third Down. Brady finished the match with a register rating of 121.2.
The criticism of the Falcons’ offensive coordinator should not diminish after this appearance. Despite the powerful offensive weapons, Sarkisian doesn’t get any rhythm in his offense. Against the Patriots it seemed for a long time as if only Scrambles by Matt Ryan were successful. In the first half, one of them had managed to make it near the centerline in an unusual 4th and 7 on the second drive of the game. The score was still even. Before the break they went again for 4th and 6, at New England 47. The superfluous Passing Play went into their pants and with a ten-point lead the Pats had another short drive, which ended in a three-posession lead.
How do you stop this patriots’ campaign? The Falcons could not answer this question either. The pressure on Tom Brady wasn’t as great as Dan Quinn would have liked. De’ Vondre Campbell and Vic Beasley Jr. Collect two bags. But that’s all I could do. Brady got too much time from his line and used it with his usual consistency. The running game also benefited from the excellent line work. With Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White, there were three running backs for at least 4.8 yards per run.