USA TODAY US Edition

FOURTH QUARTER/OT Patriots 34, Falcons 28

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The Patriots scored 25 consecutiv­e points bridging the third and fourth quarters, tying the score on James White’s 1-yard touchdown run and two-point conversion when Tom Brady hit Danny Amendola, who muscled across the goal line to tie the score with 57 seconds remaining.

The Patriots began the quarter by driving the length of the field but settled for a 33-yard field goal to trim the Falcons’ lead to 28-12 with 9:48 to play. The drive lasted 12 plays and took longer than five minutes.

The Patriots had renewed hope when blitzing LB Dont’a Hightower blindsided Matt Ryan, forcing a fumble recovered by DL Alan Branch at the Atlanta 25. A 6-yard touchdown pass to Amendola was followed by a successful two-point conversion.

The Falcons began the next drive on their own 10. They drove to the New England 22, where sacks and penalties stalled the drive and forced a punt with 3:30 left.

The Patriots then drove 91 yards in 10 plays and 2:33 to tie it, highlighte­d by Edelman catching a deflected pass for a 23-yard gain to the Atlanta 41.

In overtime, the Patriots won the toss and drove 75 yards to win it, sealing the victory with 2-yard run by James White.

 ?? MATTHEW EMMONS, USA TODAY SPORTS ?? Dont’a Hightower forces Falcons quarterbac­k Matt Ryan to fumble in the fourth quarter.
MATTHEW EMMONS, USA TODAY SPORTS Dont’a Hightower forces Falcons quarterbac­k Matt Ryan to fumble in the fourth quarter.

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