THE NEW ENGLAND Patriots led by 3-0 at half-time in what was the second-lowest scoring first-half in Super Bowl history, with the Pittsburgh Steelers having led the Minnesota Vikings 2-0 in Super Bowl IX.
In a worrying sign for the Rams, they were the 13th team to be shut out in the first half of a Super Bowl and none of the previous 12 have won. The Rams were shut out in a first half for the first time under Sean McVay, managing just 57 offensive yards.
The game failed catch fire with both offences struggling to make a significant impact in Atlanta. It was, though, a defensive masterclass from both Bill Belichick and McVay.
Favourites New England’s cagey start to the game was summed up by the pick thrown by quarterback Tom Brady on his very first play.
Tom Brady’s first pass of Super Bowl LIII…PICKED (via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/D15Ncd8Hqv
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 3, 2019
Brady was bidding to make history by becoming the first player to win six Super Bowls, 17 years after his first championship in 2002.
He managed 122 yards passing in the opening two quarters but fumbled on a sack, although the Patriots recovered it.
The first sack of Tom Brady this postseason - and it wasn't Aaron Donald! pic.twitter.com/Q4Co0tla1n
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) February 4, 2019
Brady led what proved a decisive fourth-quarter drive and hit Rob Gronkowski on a 29-yard pass to set up Sony Michel for a two-yard run.
Jared Goff was subsequently intercepted by Stephon Gilmore on the Rams’ penultimate drive, and Brady and Patriots then bled the clock to seal triumph and tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for most Super Bowl wins.
Brady has been adamant he has no immediate plans to retire and, despite now having secured his place as the most successful player in the history of game, the 41-year-old made it clear he will not be having a change of heart.
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