This win, which is the franchise's fifth, came with the tandem of quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick leading the way, much like New England's four preceding Super Bowl victories. Both men showed rare emotion with each other immediately after the game, via the NFL:
NFL @NFLIncredible moment. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick embrace after winning their 5th @SuperBowl together! #SB51
Brady was more excited a few minutes later when Terry Bradshaw handed him the Lombardi Trophy, via the team's account:
New England Patriots @PatriotsMood.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft was also happy to celebrate the title, via the NFL on ESPN:
NFL on ESPN @ESPNNFLThe Lombardi trophy is headed to Foxborough.
Brady even shook hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportBrady and Goodell share a moment following #SB51
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportTom Brady to Roger Goodell:
Meanwhile, the rest of the Patriots players had their own celebrations on the field, via the NFL:
NFL @NFLAll the @SuperBowl feels. #SB51
NFL @NFLSo many Garoppolos! #SB51
New England fans in attendance were also thrilled they didn't leave when the Patriots fell into a 28-3 hole in the third quarter, per Zack Cox of NESN:
The jubilance among New England players, coaches and fans erupted after what could easily go down as the greatest Super Bowl of all time.
Following a scoreless first quarter, the Falcons took control of the game in the second quarter. Touchdowns by Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper helped build a 14-0 lead, while a pick-six by Robert Alford seemed like it would seal the win, as it helped put Atlanta up 21-0.
New England cut the Falcons' lead to 21-3 at intermission, although a Patriots comeback looked highly improbable at that point.
New England still trailed 28-9 going into the fourth quarter, but Brady took over from there. This James White touchdown and ensuing two-point conversion helped send the game into overtime for the first time in Super Bowl history, via the NFL:
NFL @NFLA @Patriots TD. A @Patriots 2-pt conversion. WE'RE ALL TIED UP! #SB51 #Patriots
Even Belichick showed emotion going into overtime, via the Patriots on Twitter:
New England Patriots @Patriots#Patriots ball!
White then scored again in overtime to send the Lombardi Trophy back to New England.
The win caps an impressive season that began with Brady being suspended for the first four games due to the Deflategate scandal. The squad overcame its Brady-less stretch with a 3-1 start, which it then followed with continued dominance to finish with a 14-2 record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Three wins later, the Patriots are on top of the football world once again, solidifying one of the best dynasties in league history. While the young Falcons have the talent to make it back to the Super Bowl, New England isn't going anywhere so long as Brady and Belichick are around.
