Super Bowl 53: History or a Bust?
On Sunday, February 3, 2019, the Los Angeles Rams kicked off to the New England Patriots to commence the beginning of Super Bowl 53. The Patriots ran the ball on 4 straight plays to get the ball into the Rams’ territory. On the fifth play of the drive, Tom Brady took the snap to attempt his first pass of the game. This passing attempt gave New England fans an early game heart break as the pass was tipped up and ultimately intercepted by Rams linebacker Cory Littleton.
What ensued after the interception was a punt battle between Rams punter Johnny Hecker and Patriots punter Ryan Allen and a missed field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. The two teams entered the second quarter scoreless after great defensive play. About half way through the second quarter the Patriots broke the deadlock and scored a field goal. The two teams traded 3 more punts, then halftime came.
Before the game, Gladys Knight, a soul legend, sang the national anthem. Her performance was a memorable one, as she sang The Star Spangled Banner perfectly. The halftime show was a much different story. Maroon 5 performed along with Travis Scott and Big Boi. Adam Levine, Maroon 5’s lead singer, was highly criticized for his vocal performance. Travis Scott’s performance of Sicko Mode also came up short as much of the lyrics had to be cut out on broadcast. Some say that the best part of the halftime performance was Big Boi singing The Way you Move, a song from his former group Outkast. The halftime performance fell short of what was expected, but it is not what most tune in for. Most tune in to watch the NFC and AFC champions battle it out for the Lombardi Trophy.
Pictured above, Gladys Knight, national anthem singer. Pictured below, Big Boi, Travis Scott, Adam Levine of Maroon 5
As the second half began, the Rams received the ball. The punt battle returned to the field for 4 more drives before the Rams were finally about to kick a field goal. Rams kicker Greg Zurelein kicked a 53 yard field goal to tie the game up. The Rams had 8 drives that ended in punts before they finally put points on the board. The Patriots defensive line had been putting pressure on Rams quarterback Jared Goff throughout the entirety of the game. The Patriots secondary was harsh at not letting up any big plays (passing plays of 20 yards or more, running plays of 10 yards or more), although the Rams were number 1 through out the season in big plays. The Rams defense had also shown out to defeat the legendary Tom Brady. The Rams defense may have allowed longer drives by the Patriots, but the Rams were able to stop them before getting into field goal range. The third quarter ended at a score of 3-3.
The fourth quarter got underway with yet another Rams punt after a 5 minute long drive. The Patriots took the ball and led a methodical drive down field. Most of the drive was a combination of running by Sony Michel and passing to Julian Edelman. The second to last play of the drive was a deep throw of 29 yards to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski in double coverage, which brought the Patriots to the 2 yard line. On first down, Sony Michel ran the ball into the end zone for the first and the last touchdown of the game. The score was now 10-3. On the following drive by the Rams, almost 50 yards were gained to get into potential field goal range. On second and 10, Jared Goff dropped back to pass in pressure, and threw it short to Brandin Cooks. The pass was intercepted by Stephon Gilmore and set up another field goal drive by the Patriots. The score was now 13-3. The Rams got the ball back, drove 55 yards down field and attempted a 48 yard field goal, which missed wide to the left.
Rob Gronkowski catching the ball to set up Patriots touchdown, Super Bowl 53
The Patriots were Super Bowl champions for the sixth time. Tom Brady was a Super Bowl champion for a record sixth time, most by any player. Bill Belichick was a Super Bowl champion for an eighth time, sixth as head coach, the most ever by any head coach. The Patriots celebrated on field, many holding their children. Julian Edelman was granted the Super Bowl MVP award for his stellar performance during the game. He had 10 receptions for 141 yards on only 12 targets.
Julian Edelman, Super Bowl 53 MVP
Although many said that this game was boring, for much of the older generation is was much like old-time football. A battle of the defenses to show who could out-power the other team. In the end, it is up to the viewer to decide whether they enjoyed the game or not. For Patriots players and fans, they enjoyed it.
Tom Brady celebrating the Super Bowl 53 win, his sixth, with his daughter Vivian “Vivi”