ATLANTA – It seems more than appropriate that this game should be played on February 3. After all, it was 17 years ago to the day that New England, led by a fresh-faced QB named Tom Brady, won its first Super Bowl over the Rams, then based in St. Louis.
Who could have predicted that less than 20 years later, the Patriots would have a chance to tie the NFL record for most Super Bowl victories with six (Pittsburgh was the first and only club to reach the mark entering Super Bowl LIII).
So much has changed over the past 17 season, but two aspects remain constant for New England: Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. The QB wasn't at his best this Sunday night, but the player who entered the league as a sixth-round pick captured his sixth championship with considerable help from his teammates in all three phases.
"I'm just extremely proud of everybody," Belichick said in his post-game comments to reporters.
"That was the best team win," TE Rob Gronkowski declared later. "Everyone played together, we stuck to our plan, and we came out victorious – unbelievable."
"It wasn't pretty," WR Julian Edelman told reporters, "but I'll take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day."
Just as the Chiefs did two weeks ago, the Rams won the coin toss, but elected to defer, giving New England the ball first. Return man Cordarrelle Patterson nearly took the opening kickoff the distance, but was shoved out of bounds at the last moment by Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein. Nonetheless, the Patriots started with great field position.
Los Angeles' tried to free up its Defensive Player of the Year, DT Aaron Donald, by moving him around at the line of scrimmage from snap to snap. The Patriots' o-line seemed prepared for this, however, and blocked him sufficiently.
It looked as if the Patriots were heading for a score when a Brady pass was deflected by a Rams defensive back and intercepted deep in Rams territory by linebacker Cory Littleton.
New England's defense held the Rams to a three-and-out punt, though.
The Patriots' second drive was another sustained one, but ended with kicker Stephen Gostkowski pulling a 46-yard field goal attempt wide left. Again, though, the defense contained the Rams and forced another punt.
L.A. couldn't get anything going offensively when it started the 2nd quarter in the shadow of its own goal line. A John Simon deflection of a 3rd-down pass by QB Jared Goff gave the Patriots the ball back on the ensuing 4th-down punt.
Gostkowski finally put New England on the scoreboard with a 42-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter. They had an opportunity later to add to that total, but on 4th-and-1 from the L.A. 32 with less than two minutes to play, Brady fired an ill-advised pass to Gronkowski in double-coverage that wobbled too far out in front of the target.
The story of the 1st half was two-fold: 1) New England moved the ball fairly efficiently, but left points on the field because mistakes on the Rams side of the 50 prevented them from scoring each time. 2) The Patriots' defense, though, shut the Rams out with play after big play in crucial situations. Belichick's squad thoroughly dominated the first two quarters of play on both sides of the ball.
How dominant were the Patriots on D? They helped set a record, as the Rams became the first team in NFL history to punt on eight consecutive possessions. What's more, it was thoroughly a team effort. Defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs – you could take your pick of almost an individual player and chances are they made huge plays at one time or another.
"The past month, we've been on task," LB Dont'a Hightower observed afterward.
"Eleven guys, man," safety/co-captain Devin McCourty emphasized. "It was eleven guys. It was eleven guys, all day."
"Our defense played the best game they have all season," Brady stated.
Meanwhile, on offense, Edelman came to a shaky Brady's aid more often than not, as the Patriots' rushing attack, so effective in the previous two playoff contests, couldn't quite get going against L.A.
Late in the 3rd quarter, the Rams finally mounted a scoring drive, although it took a 53-yard field goal by Zuerlein to knot up the score after Hightower dropped Goff for a 9-yard loss on 3rd-and-7.
"We just played fast," CB Stephon Gilmore explained. "We knew it wasn't going to be perfect. We believe in each other and we stuck with each other. We've been doing that all year."
For most of this remarkable season, Gronkowski had become an afterthought in the New England offense. In these playoffs, he'd re-emerged, but mostly as a blocking force for the rushing attack.
The New England Patriots take on the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, February 3, 2019.
New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty, left, and his brother free safety Devin McCourty, right, faces reporters in the team's locker room following their arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass., after defeating the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL football Super Bowl 53, in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
A New England Patriots fan, left, holds a replica trophy while cheering during the team's arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty holds the Super Bowl trophy for fans following the football teams arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass., after defeating the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL Super Bowl 53, in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty, left, holds the Super Bowl trophy as he greets fans following the football teams arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass., after defeating the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL Super Bowl 53, in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty, right, greets fans following the football teams arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass, after defeating the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL Super Bowl 53, in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center right, waves to fans following the football teams arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass., after defeating the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL Super Bowl 53, in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, right, greets fans following the football teams arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass., after defeating the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL Super Bowl 53, in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty, left, holds the Super Bowl trophy as he greets fans following the football team's arrival at Gillette Stadium, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass, after defeating the Los Angeles Rams Sunday in NFL Super Bowl 53, in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick answers questions at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick answers questions at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is reflected in the Lombardi trophy at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick answers questions at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick answers questions at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman answers questions during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman poses during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman answers questions during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman poses during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman and head coach Bill Belichick wait for the start of a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick answers a question during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick waits with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell at a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman poses during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman answers questions during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Super Bowl LIII MVP New England Patriots' Julian Edelman poses during a news conference for the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Atlanta: New England Patriots' Tom Brady holds the trophy and his daughter, Vivian, after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. AP/PTI Photo(AP242019_000008A)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is seen with his granddaughter after defeating the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots Julian Edelman #11 is seen with the Lombardi trophy after winning MVP against the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is interviewed by Jim Nantz after defeating the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots Julian Edelman #11 is seen with the Lombardi trophy after winning MVP against the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots Julian Edelman #11 is seen with the Lombardi trophy after winning MVP against the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady holds his daughter, Vivian, after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady holds his daughter, Vivian, after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman, left, and Tom Brady celebrate after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. Edelman was named the Most Valuable Player.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gets doused after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gets doused after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) embraces Patriots owner Robert Kraft after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots' Stephon Gilmore, right, intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams' Brandin Cooks (12) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots' Sony Michel dives for a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots' Stephon Gilmore, right, intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams' Brandin Cooks (12) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) catches a pass in front of Los Angeles Rams' Marcus Peters (22) and Cory Littleton (58) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots' Kyle Van Noy (53) sacks Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff (16) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Dont'a Hightower (54) hits Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff, left, as he throws a pass during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Adam Levine of Maroon 5 performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Fireworks go off during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) and Joe Thuney (62) walk off the field during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Dont'a Hightower, top, sacks Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff (16) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady, left, talks with head coach Bill Belichick during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
New England Patriots' Jason McCourty (30) breaks up pass intended Los Angeles Rams' Josh Reynolds (83), during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) looks to pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski (87) runs against Los Angeles Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman (23) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) works in the pocket against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff (16) looks for a receiver under pressure from New England Patriots' Danny Shelton during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Los Angeles Rams' Jared Goff (16) works under pressure from New England Patriots' Adrian Clayborn (94) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) works against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) hands the ball off to Rex Burkhead against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
A fan watches the national anthem before the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman (11) breaks away from Los Angeles Rams' Troy Hill, right, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New England Patriots' Sony Michel (26) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams' Lamarcus Joyner (20) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Referee John Parry and players watch the coin toss before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots take the field, bottom right, before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Tim Donnelly)
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the open roof of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Gladys Knight sings the national anthem before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Gladys Knight sings the national anthem before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
People walk on the field before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Chloe x Halle perform before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The dome opens up before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Actor Jamie Foxx, right, watches the teams warm up, before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shakes hands before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Rams and the Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick tosses the ball, before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) throws before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman (11) greets New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12), before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady blows a kiss, before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Referee John Parry, left, bumps fists with New England Patriots' Tom Brady before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Players warm up before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12), squints as he looks across the field before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) screams as he enters the stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Lynne Stadky)
New England Patriots' Tom Brady (12) and Brian Hoyer (2) enter the field, before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Players warm ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots' Stephen Gostkowski (3) warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks onto the field before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
UFC Champion Conner McGregor holds his son Conner McGregor Jr., as he walks on the field before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Los Angeles Rams' Johnny Hekker (6) and New England Patriots' Ryan Allen (6) warm up before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New England Patriots' Deatrich Wise Jr. warms up before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
New England Patriots stretch before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Tim Donnelly)
Fans walk around the upper sections of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
New England Patriots' Julian Edelman warms before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
However, with time ticking in the fourth quarter – and rumors swirling that this might be his last go-round in the NFL – Gronkowski looked like he dug deep to give it everything he had. The first TD drive of the night got going thanks to a wonderful play-action pass from Brady to Gronk that gained 18 yards, and later, the big man hauled in a diving 29-yard reception at the Los Angeles 2-yard line.
That set up rookie Sony Michel's easy plunge into the Rams' end zone. Gostkowski drilled the PAT to make it 10-3 with exactly seven minutes to play.
"When it comes to crunch time," Gronkowski asserted, "I always find a way to make a play."
L.A. got the ball back, and Goff suddenly started to click with his receivers… until a badly underthrown pass intended for former Patriot Brandin Cooks was ready beautifully by Gilmore. He timed his leap precisely to snag the ball out of the air and fall down at the Patriots' 4-yard line.
"It was clutch," Gilmore recalled. "I mean, I knew he was going to throw it up and I knew I had to make a play. I knew he was going to force it up there. Our defensive line put a lot of pressure on him and he chucked it up and I was able to make a play."
On 2nd down on the ensuing possession, Michel burst through a huge hole in his o-line and rambled 26 yards to give the offense breathing room. A few plays later, fellow ball carrier Rex Burkhead matched Michel with a 26-yard gain of his own, to get the Patriots into Rams territory with 2:30 to go.
Facing a 4th-and-inches at the L.A. 24, the Patriots chose to trust Gostkowski rather than go for it. The veteran kicker rewarded his team's confidence in him by drilling the three-pointer. When Zuerlein hooked a 48-yarder with eight seconds left, New England was assured of its sixth NFL crown.
The age-old football axiom is that defense wins championships. Tonight, New England's defense certainly did, along with a tremendous effort by Edelman (10 catches, 141 yards), who took home game MVP honors, Gronkowski (an apropos 87 yards on six receptions), and the offensive line, which limited Donald to just five tackles and no big plays and owned the line of scrimmage.
Credit can also be given to punter Ryan Allen, who – with help from his coverage guys like co-captain Matthew Slater – continually pinned the Rams deep.
"All around, we played really well," said Slater.
It was a collective effort by all three phases to accomplish something most people outside the Patriots' locker room likely thought improbable just six weeks ago – a sixth Vince Lombardi Trohpy.
"Look at this! How could this not motivate you?" a jubilant Brady exclaimed as he watched the confetti fall from the ceiling of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
"It was like a home game here. We love you guys!" Edelman told the loud crowd of partisan Patriots supporters who hung around to watch the post-game celebration on the field.
This season, a team that couldn't win on the road, couldn't find a consistent passing game, and couldn't make enough plays on defense suddenly, over the past month-plus, managed to do all those things. In so doing, they were once again atop the NFL world.
Seventeen years. Looking back at the first and now the sixth Patriots Super Bowl win, it's difficult to decide which was more unexpected.
"The feeling tonight," added McCourty, "I just can't explain."
"This is unbelievable. This is amazing. This is surreal," a stunned Gronkowski remarked. "Everything we've been through this season… just unreal."
But it is real. And the celebration, of course, will continue when the Patriots get back to Foxborough this week. A likely parade through the streets of Boston is next on the schedule.
"I love you guys," Gronkowski said to the fans. "See you on the duck boats."
As he eventually walked off the confetti-strewn field, Edelman, who'd conducted an otherwise restrained post-game interview circuit, could no longer contain his emotions.
"I want record numbers at the parade. We just got six. LET'S GO!!!"
