Five key plays in Super Bowl LI
- Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Julian Edelman is up ended by Atlanta Falcons' Philip Wheeler, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) ORG XMIT: NFL140Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman runs against the New England Patriots defense during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tim Donnelly) ORG XMIT: NFL143Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman runs against the New England Patriots defense during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL144Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan is sacked by New England Patriots' Trey Flowers during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: NFL148Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady passes under pressure from Atlanta Falcons' Grady Jarrett during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) ORG XMIT: NFL152Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' LeGarrette Blount runs against Atlanta Falcons' Keanu Neal during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL153Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' James White, right, catches a pass under pressure by Atlanta Falcons' Deion Jones during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) ORG XMIT: NFL156Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan (2) slides against New England Patriots' Alan Branch (97) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL159Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Julian Edelman is tackled by Atlanta Falcons' Robert Alford during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) ORG XMIT: NFL162Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Deion Jones (45) celebrates after Robert Alford recovers a fumble during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: NFL166Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman runs for a touchdown during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL171Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady looks up from the sidelines, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) ORG XMIT: NFL178Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones (11) makes a catch against New England Patriots' Eric Rowe (25) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL180Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Patrick Chung breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons' Austin Hooper during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL184Photo by AP
- New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick complains to head linesman Kent Payne (79), during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) ORG XMIT: NFL192Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady walks off the field after throwing an interception, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) ORG XMIT: NFL197Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Robert Alford celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) ORG XMIT: NFL198Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Vic Beasley Jr. pressures New England Patriots' Tom Brady, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) ORG XMIT: NFL208Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Keanu Neal pushes New England Patriots' James White out of bounds, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) ORG XMIT: NFL213Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Julian Edelman breaks away from Atlanta Falcons' Levine Toilolo during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) ORG XMIT: NFL244Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Julian Edelman runs against Atlanta Falcons' Levine Toilolo on a punt return during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL245Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn talks to Dwight Freeney during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL250Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Taylor Gabriel makes a catch against New England Patriots' Duron Harmon during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL254Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Devonta Freeman runs against New England Patriots' Dont'a Hightower during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: NFL257Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Tevin Coleman, left, scores past New England Patriots' Rob Ninkovich during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) ORG XMIT: NFL259Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Jonathan Jones, left, fails to block an extra point kick by Atlanta Falcons' Matt Bryant during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) ORG XMIT: NFL268Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' C.J. Goodwin breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots' Dion Lewis (33) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL273Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Martellus Bennett helmet is locked with Atlanta Falcons' Dwight Freeney, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) ORG XMIT: NFL275Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' James White (28) dives to the end zone against Atlanta Falcons' Jalen Collins for a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL278Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Patrick Chung breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons' Austin Hooper (81)during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL286Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' James White runs against Atlanta Falcons' Robert Alford during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL289Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Julian Edelman can't catch a pass under pressure from Atlanta Falcons' Brian Poole, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) ORG XMIT: NFL290Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Grady Jarrett sacks New England Patriots' Tom Brady during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL293Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Grady Jarrett sacks New England Patriots' Tom Brady, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) ORG XMIT: NFL300Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' James White, left, is tackled by Atlanta Falcons' Jalen Collins, bottom, and De'Vondre Campbell during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) ORG XMIT: NFL301Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan fumbles as he is hit by New England Patriots' Dont'a Hightower during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: NFL314Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones (11) makes a catch against New England Patriots' Eric Rowe (25) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) ORG XMIT: NFL326Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady celebrates with James White after a touchdown play during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: NFL339Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady raises his arms after a touchdown, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Nate Ebner and Patrick Chung celebrate after winning 34-28 in overtime of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) ORG XMIT: NFL357Photo by AP
- New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, congratulates David Andrews after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) ORG XMIT: NFL364Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick after winning the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL371Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady celebrates after winning the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL374Photo by AP
- Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan leaves the field after their overtime loss to the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) ORG XMIT: NFL375Photo by AP
- New England Patriots players celebrate with newspapers after their overtime win in the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) ORG XMIT: NFL382Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady, left, talks to Atlanta Falcons' Joe Vellano after the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots won 34-28 in overtime. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) ORG XMIT: NFL387Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) ORG XMIT: NFL391Photo by AP
- New England Patriots' Tom Brady celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after winning the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) ORG XMIT: NFL402Photo by AP
- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his team defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime at the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 34-28. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) ORG XMIT: NFL409Photo by AP
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14:19 of the second quarter: LeGarrette Blount fumbles
After Tom Brady connected with Julian Edelman down to the Falcons’ 33-yard line, Blount fumbled it all away on the next play. It was rookie linebacker Deion Jones stripping it from Blount, and five plays later, Devonta Freeman had a five-yard TD run for the game’s first points.
2:36 of the second quarter: Robert Alford’s pick-six
Just when it looked like a penalty-aided drive would get the Patriots back in the game, Brady looked for Danny Amendola over the middle deep in Falcons territory, but the Atlanta cornerback stepped in front and took it 82 yards the other way for a shocking touchdown.
8:43 of the third quarter: Malcolm Butler flagged for PI
Down 21-3, it looked like the Patriots had held the Falcons to a field-goal attempt inside their own 10-yard line, but the Super Bowl XLIX hero was hit with a pass interference penalty to extend the drive and Atlanta ended up punching in a touchdown on the next play.
8:31 of the fourth quarter: Matt Ryan strip-sacked
Up by 16 points, the Falcons were looking to put the Patriots away. Instead, linebacker Dont’a Hightower bent the edge and got to the Atlanta quarterback, prying the ball loose to force the turnover and give his team a chance.
2:28 of the fourth quarter: Edelman’s circus catch
The Patriots have lost Super Bowls on circus catches — David Tyree, anyone? — but luck was on their side when Edelman snagged a bouncing football just before it hit the turf deep in Falcons in territory, allowing New England to eventually tie the game.
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