HOUSTON --The New England Patriots erased a deficit of 28-3 and went on to defeat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28, in overtime in Super Bowl LI. Here's a report card on the Falcons' performance;
PASSING OFFENSE: B+
The Patriots were able to limit the Falcons' big-play damage for the most part and elected to double-cover Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones for much of the game. But in limited snaps, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was still patient, efficient and worked the ball all over the field much of the time. The Falcons were also able to isolate the Patriots linebackers in coverage at key moments with their running backs, including Tevin Coleman's 6-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter when he out-ran Rob Ninkovich for the score and when Ryan hit Devonta Freeman with the game on the line late in the fourth quarter.