The New England Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl and the Detroit Lions will have to wait two more weeks before they can name Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia the franchise’s 27th head coach.
Behind a stout second-half effort from Patricia’s defense, the Patriots rallied past the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, 24-20, earning an opportunity to defend their championship. It’s the third time in four years the Patriots will represent the AFC in the title game and eighth time in 17 years for the dynasty coached by Bill Belichick.
The Patriots kicked a field goal on the game’s opening possession, but quickly found themselves down 14-3 in the second quarter.