SECOND QUARTER Falcons 21, Patriots 3 Devonta Freeman leaps into the end zone to cap his 5-yard TD run to open the scoring.
New England WR Julian Edelman caught a 27yard pass from Brady to open the second quarter, but RB LeGarrette Blount fumbled on the ensuing play, the first of two turnovers and numerous mistakes as the Patriots unraveled.
Falcons CB Robert Alford recovered at his 29yard line, and Atlanta’s league-leading offense surged, scoring on its next two possessions. WR Julio Jones made his first two catches on consecutive plays, totaling 42 yards and giving Atlanta the ball at New England’s 29. Freeman ran 15 yards to the 14, then zigzagged for 9 yards, then raced untouched to the left side for a 5-yard touchdown.
The Patriots responded feebly, going three-andout and punting for the third time.
After Ryan’s first incomplete pass (on his seventh attempt) and with the Falcons facing third-andlong, TE Austin Hooper caught a 19-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone for a 14-0 advantage, the Patriots’ largest Super Bowl deficit in the Brady-Belichick era.
On the ensuing possession Alford intercepted Brady’s short pass, intended for WR Danny Amendola cutting across the middle, and raced 82 yards for a commanding 21-0 lead. It was the first pick-six in Brady’s playoff career. The Patriots drove deep into Falcons territory in the waning seconds but had to settle for Stephen Gostkowski’s 41-yard field goal with two seconds on the clock.