USA TODAY US Edition

THIRD QUARTER Falcons 28, Patriots 9 Patriots running back James White scores on a 5-yard touchdown reception.

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Atlanta went three-and-out to begin the second half, and Julian Edelman returned the ensuing punt near midfield, but mistakes continued to plague the Patriots as Edelman dropped a surefire first down on third-and-long.

The Falcons then zipped 85 yards in eight plays to take a strangleho­ld on their first Super Bowl championsh­ip. Wideout Taylor Gabriel caught two passes for 52 yards on the drive, including a wideopen 35-yard grab deep down the middle of the field. He also drew pass interferen­ce against cornerback Malcolm Butler at the New England 9. Matt Ryan threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to running back Tevin Coleman, who outraced Rob Ninkovich to the corner of the end zone for a 28-3 lead.

Brady led the desperate Patriots on a 13-play, 75yard touchdown drive that lasted nearly 6½ minutes. Facing fourth-and-3, Brady completed a 17yard pass to Danny Amendola to the Atlanta 37, then scrambled 15 yards on third-and-8 to the Atlanta 20. Running back James White caught the 5yard TD pass.

Even then, Stephen Gostkowski missed the extra point, hitting the right upright.

An onside kick attempt failed, recovered by Falcons linebacker LaRoy Reynolds.

Atlanta went three-and-out as Ryan was sacked by Trey Flowers as the clock ran out on the third quarter.

 ?? RICHARD MACKSON, USA TODAY SPORTS ??
RICHARD MACKSON, USA TODAY SPORTS
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