With The First Pick
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Tom Brady Bests “Dirty Birds;” Wins Fifth, Blocks Atlanta Falcons’ First

By Frank Sumrall

Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick (R) after clinching the AFC East title with a 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick (R) after clinching the AFC East title with a 41-13 win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots made history in their stunning 25-point comeback en route to a thrilling 34-28 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

It was the first Super Bowl to go to overtime and New England overcame the greatest deficit in championship history to do so. It ended just as fate intended; a methodical, well-balanced drive led by Tom Brady.

Brady’s performance was one for the ages. Setting a Super Bowl record for passing yards with 466, he overcame his first-half struggles to win his record-setting fourth Super Bowl MVP.

The dynamic duo of Brady and Bill Belichick will forever go down as one of the most dominant dynasties to set foot on the gridiron, each making their own claim as the Greatest Of All Time in their respective positions.

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The game began as a one-sided Falcons slugfest, with quarterback Matt Ryan posting a perfect passer rating to give the “Dirty Birds” a 21-3 lead at the half. The Patriots performance was perfectly summed up by the feeble tackle attempt from Brady after he threw an interception. That interception went 82 yards the other way for a touchdown.

But once Lady Gaga finished her plummet from the NRG Stadium roof, the tides changed. Tom Brady spearheaded a furious comeback alongside running backs James White and Dion Lewis.

Brady’s performance was amazing, but James White saved New England with his three total touchdowns including the game-tying score and the game-winner in overtime. His 14 total receptions are a Super Bowl record. This game ended with five unanswered New England scoring drives.

The high-flying Atlanta Falcons offense flustered and stalled in clutch time. New England linebacker Dont’a Hightower’s strip sack on Matt Ryan made the Falcons fans grit their teeth as it set up the beginning of the Patriot comeback.

Matt Ryan and running back Devonta Freeman put up memorable performances, All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones did everything in his power to keep New England at bay. With circus catch after circus catch he provided Falcons fans hope that they can stave off the resurgent Patriots.

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An NFL championship still alludes the melancholy Falcons after their second Super Bowl loss in franchise history. The gut-wrenching emotion Atlanta showed watching the New England players romance the silver Lombardi trophy for the fifth time.

Kyle Shanahan all but packed up to leave for the animated city of San Francisco; it could make things difficult for Atlanta to repeat as NFC champions.

With one of the greatest Super Bowls coming to a close, Tom Brady, the arguable G.O.A.T., holds the title of most championship victories for a quarterback. It remains to see if he has anything left to play for or maybe it is time to end his illustrious career.

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