The New England Patriots won their sixth championship with a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Here are 5 observations from an old school performance.
Defense wins championships. And so does Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Turning back the clock to how they did it in their first Super Bowl victory, the New England Patriots put together a complete team effort to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII.
It didn’t start pretty. The Patriots left points on the board early when Brady threw an interception on the first drive of the game deep in Rams territory. To compound that, Stephen Gostkowski missed a field goal on the team’s second drive.
Again, in another Super Bowl, the Patriots failed to put points on the board in the first quarter of the big game. But, don’t fear. The New England Patriots defense held the high-powered Los Angeles offense at bay. The Rams absolutely couldn’t get anything going in the first half which allowed Bill Belichick’s crew to take a 3-0 lead into half time.
And back-and-fourth they went in the second half. Each defense holding the opposing offense at bay. With the game tied at 3-3 in the fourth quarter, the New England Patriots turned to their reliable trio.
Brady took the ball in his own hands and orchestrated a game-winning drive with throws to Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman and that guy named Rob Gronkowski who was vintage Gronk on two plays that set up the game’s lone touchdown, a goal line run by rookie running back Sony Michel.
In all, it was probably an ugly game for the rest of America to watch. But, for old school football fans, it was a classic. It showed that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady still define how the game is played and turned a season of doubt into perhaps a continuance of a dynasty still here from a group of players who gave it everything they had.
Folks, the New England Patriots have won six titles since the turn of the century. Here are five observations from their latest triumph.
The defensive line was magnificent
Just as predicted in the pregame article, the New England Patriots defensive line, particularly the front seven, outshined the Los Angeles Rams defensive line.
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All credit to what the Rams were able to do, but the Patriots were the team with no stars, no pass rush and a team with no speed.
Take a way a couple long runs by Todd Gurley, the defensive line simply dominated. They took away the run for the most part and had Jared Goff on his heels just about every time he dropped back.
In all, they recorded four sacks and pressured Goff on 38 percent of his drop backs. With players like Adrian Clayborn and Danny Shelton stepping up to make some big plays, the New England Patriots defense proved to the world that they are good.
They were tough, physical, kept their focus throughout the game and were ultimately the collective MVP of this football game. Anytime a defense can hold the No. 2 offense in the NFL to just 3 points (coming off a 50-plus yard field goal), you just have to tip your hat to new Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores and the genius in Bill Belichick.
Sony Michel is a special player
New England Patriots running back Sony Michel wasn’t the reason the team won Super Bowl LIII, but he was certainly a major factor.
After making a big run to start the game, Michel was pretty quiet until the game really counted. Just like his days at Georgia, the Patriots first-round pick punched in the game-winning touchdown midway into the fourth quarter and basically sealed the game on the ensuing drive with a 26-yard scamper that dashed the hopes of the Los Angeles Rams.
With 94 yards rushing on 18 attempts, Sony Michel put forth a solid effort. But, it was his overall playoff performance that will leave an imprint on his rookie season. He basically averaged over 100 yards rushing in all three games with six, yes six, rushing touchdowns.
For a player who many criticized Bill Belichick for selecting in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft, he now founds himself in some elite company. The 6 postseason touchdowns tie him for second all-time with players like Franco Harris, John Riggins and Emmitt Smith. He only trails Terrell Davis, who hold the all-time record with eight postseason touchdowns.
To think, he did all this despite missing some games during the season and not being fully 100 percent. He also has some aspects of his game to work on, particularly catching the ball out of the backfield. Once he adds that, the New England Patriots have a weapon that can carry them on.
All Gronk does is come up big
If Rob Gronkowski has played his last game in a New England Patriots uniform, it will be a memorable one.
With two clutch catches on that fourth quarter game-winning drive, Gronkowski showed he still has the ability to beat linebackers in open space and catch diving passes in triple coverage.
In fact, the 29-yard pass from Tom Brady that set the team up for the Sony Michel touchdown, could be considered the game-winning play. Fitting for a player who has been the star of the offense throughout the years. He came through when his name was called. It has to feel good, it definitely feels good for a player who showed on the biggest stage that he still has it.
"“When it comes to crutch time,” Gronkowski said following the game, “I always find a way.”"
That satisfaction will certainly help sway Rob Gronkowski’s retirement decision either way. The New England Patriots have redefined his role in the offense. It could help his battered body play on for another year or two.
He’ll take some time to ponder it all. But, being a part of the team’s sixth championship like he promised fans after No. 5, he can definitely leave the game with a smile.
Julian Edelman is uncoverable
Is Julian Edelman Hall-of-Fame worthy?
His performance in Super Bowl LIII sealed the case for many. The man simply comes up big in these big games. He does whatever it takes to help his team win and moves the chains when the team needs him most.
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No, the numbers aren’t flashy, but his relentlessness and the way he runs routes to get open for Tom Brady is extraordinary.
With 10 receptions on 12 targets for 141 yards, Julian Edelman is your Super Bowl LIII MVP. He also etched himself as one of the NFL’s all-time playoff performers from the wide receiver position. He was simply outstanding in this game, but what makes him a special player is his humbleness.
Folks, Julian Edelman performed big time on the biggest stage, but put his team first and didn’t put the spotlight to shine on himself. So, let’s just leave that up to his self-proclaimed big brother, Tom Brady.
"“He played the best game of the year,” Brady said. “He’s a fighter. I’m just so proud of him. He’s been an incredible player for this team.”"
Depending on how you define Hall-of-Fame worthiness, there is not denying Julian Edelman is in the conversation. However, he may have a couple years left in him to sway the naysayers.
Brady, Brady, Brady
The Joe Montana debate is officially over.
Tom Brady didn’t need to be spectacular, but he was clutch when it counted. In his ninth Super Bowl appearance, the 41-year-old quarterback when 21-of-35 for 262 yards passing. He threw for no touchdowns and one interception but was clutch when the team needed a drive.
With the New England Patriots flavored crowd changing “Brady, Brady,” TB12 took the ball in his hand midway through the fourth and drove his team down for the go-ahead score. Turning to his reliable targets, Brady carved up the Los Angeles Rams defense with passes to Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.
It was pure mastery which proved there is no quarterback you want with the ball with the game on the line. That’s six Super Bowl championships for a man who appears not to have anything left to prove except that he can play to 45.
Then again, what Tom Brady might be chasing is the number of rings Boston Celtics great Bill Russell has. To get there, Brady needs a supporting cast that may be without Gronkowski in 2019.
But, lets focus on what this team just accomplished. A team that many said had the worst roster of all the playoff teams and a quarterback in decline has won it all. No, Tom Brady can’t run the ball or play defense. But, what he inspires out of his teammates is the true treasure of a legend.