For a scoreless first quarter, things were somehow pretty exciting—a handful of punts after meaningful drives full of mad dashes and long bombs. But ultimately, neither the New England Patriots nor the Atlanta Falcons generated any points.That is, until the jam-packed second quarter. Things started out with the Falcons managing a clean strip on the Patriots for a fumble. Then followed a solid drive thanks to Matt Ryan, Julio Jones with a 23-yard reception, Devonta Freeman, and crew. Freeman got the handoff on 2nd and 1—just five yards from the goal line—and took a clean dive into that sweet touchdown pool.
Another Patriots three-and-out set up the Falcons just 12 yards shy of midfield. Two deep passes later, they were in the red zone. After a one-yard run and a shot at the end zone, Ryan connected with tight end Austin Hooper for a 19-yard touchdown pass.No worries, though, right? Tom Brady's got this, right? A smart, effective drive extended by multiple stupid Falcons penalties made it seem like the Pats were about to make it a one-score game right before halftime.AND THEN:
Corner Robert Alford picked Brady off clean and ran it 82 yards to the house, putting the league's No. 1 offense up by an all-but-insurmountable 21 points. Never count out Touchdown Tom, of course, but if you weren't excited for the halftime show it's certainly safe to make a beer run or something.
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