Super Bowl LIII: New England Patriots defeat Los Angeles Rams in showpiece finale (RECAP)

04 February 2019

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It wasn't a classic Super Bowl, but it did prove to be an historic one, as the Patriots, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady made it Super Bowl title number six.

Sean McVay and the Rams will bounce back, we're sure. But they'll face stiff opposition from a fired-up New Orleans Saints team who felt they were robbed of a place in tonight's showpiece finale.

And in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by the league's new MVP Patrick Mahomes, will be a major threat to the Patriots' dominance.

But this season belongs to the New England Patriots, who will celebrate long into the night. 

And you can bet "Gronk" will be leading the way...

WINNING COMBINATION

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and MVP wide receiver Julian Edelman shared an emotional moment after securing the victory in Atlanta.

EDELMAN EARNS MVP

Julian Edelman was named the game's Most Valuable Player after an excellent performance at wide receiver that saw him claim 10 catches for 141 yards.

It wasn't a big offensive Super Bowl, but Edelman's contribution was crucial, and he deserved his MVP award.

GRONK CELEBRATES

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was buzzing after the game, as he channelled his inner Ric Flair in his social media celebration.

SIX OF THE BEST

Tom Brady was called the GOAT long before today's game, but if there were any doubts, his sixth Super Bowl victory - an NFL record - has surely banished them.

IT'S ALL OVER!

The Rams drove through the middle of the Patriots defense to set up a field-goal attempt for Greg Zuerlein.

The Rams' hope was that their kicker could nail another long-range effort, then successfully convert an onside kick to set up one final Hail Mary pass to the end zone. But it wasn't to be.

Zuerlein's field goal attempt flew wide left and the Patriots ran out the clock to secure the Super Bowl victory.

The final score was Patriots 13-3, and Tom Brady collects yet another Super Bowl ring. Amazing stuff by the Patriots.

It wasn't a classic. In fact it was a pretty poor game. But the record books will show that the New England Patriots are, once again, Super Bowl Champions.

GOSTKOWSKI SURELY SEALS IT!

The Patriots drove into Rams territory, got to 4th and inches, then called on the boot of Stephen Gostkowski, who fired home the field goal from 41 yards.

The Patriots lead by 10 points with just over a minute to play.

It's Patriots 13-3 Rams and, barring the most incredible Super Bowl comeback ever, this game is over.

WE'RE AT THE TWO-MINUTE WARNING

The Patriots are in charge with two minutes to go.

They lead 10-3, they have the ball at 3rd and 1, and if they get a first down, the game will be as good as over.

If the Rams can get a stop, they might just have a chance to get back into the game, but their chances are looking pretty thin right now.

Someone from their tiring defense needs to come up with a huge play right now to give Los Angeles in with a fighting chance.

DISASTER FOR GOFF!

Jared Goff hit his stride and was marching the Rams down the field in fine style before disaster struck.

First, a beautifully-weighted throw to Brandin Cooks in the endzone is broken up with a touchdown seemingly there for the taking.

Then, in the very next play, he tries the same throw again and is picked off by Stephon Gilmore, who was involved in stopping the touchdown in the previous play.

The Rams looked excellent in that drive, but Goff pushed his luck just a little too far, and he may just have lost the game with that interception.

TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS!

Finally we have a breakthrough in Super Bowl LIII!

Tom Brady called the same play three times in a row, but hit three different targets as passes to Edelman, Burkhead and a peach of a throw to Gronkowski set up a 1st and Goal opportunity on the two-yard line.

And former Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel bulldozed his way into the end zone to score the first touchdown of the game.

The Patriots lead 10-3 and now the Rams need to do something they haven't done all game - threaten on offense - if they're to get back into this.

THE RAMS' DRIVE STALLS AGAIN

A holding call on a Todd Gurley first-down run puts the Rams right onto the back foot, and after a poor passing choice from Goff, who went for the long bomb rather than a wide-open man in the middle, the NFC champions had to punt again.

Johnny Hekker is having a great game as a punter, but the fact we're even noticing that says everything you need to know about this game.

THE RAMS START TO MOVE IT

But not without a scare, as running back C.J. Anderson fumbles right on the verge of a first down.

But the ball rolled out of bounds before a Patriot defender could get his mitts on the ball.

A narrow escape for the Rams, who are beginning to move the ball down the field.

WE'RE INTO THE FOURTH QUARTER

And it's turning into a nail-biter.

The scores are level at 3-3, and we've seen precious little action near either end zone so far tonight.

After a spectacular NFL season this year that has seen a host of incredible games and some huge scorelines, we're seeing a very drab encounter.

It's the first Super Bowl in history not to have a touchdown in the first three quarters, and now the Rams are about to receive possession after they halted the Patriots on third down once again.

WE'RE ALL SQUARE!

Greg Zuerlein hammers it through the uprights from 54 yards to put the Rams on the scoreboard and level things up at 3-3.

It's still incredibly tight, but it's game on in Atlanta.

ANOTHER HUGE DEFENSIVE PLAY!

With Goff looking to move the ball closer for a field-goal attempt, the Rams quarterback is sacked for a huge loss.

Now Greg Zuerlein needs to ping one from 54 yards to tie the game at 3-3. Can "Greg The Leg" do it?

TOUCHDOWN-SAVING PLAY!

Jason McCourty produced a brilliant recovery to deny the Rams the first touchdown of the game as Goff looked to find Brandin Cooks in the end zone.

It looked like an easy catch, but McCourty came flying out of nowhere to break up the pass, right in the nick of time.

FINALLY, A THIRD-DOWN COMPLETION!

Jared Goff nails a clutch pass to Robert Woods on third and long to nail his first third-down completion and move the sticks for the first time in the game.

Goff has had a torrid time on third down so far, but that completion will give him some much-needed confidence as the Rams look to force their way into this game.

They're only three points down, but it feels worse because they haven't looked close to scoring. 

HEKKER SAVES THE DAY

After yet another disastrous possession by the Rams fell flat, punter Johnny Hekker stepped up to punt the ball away from deep inside his own end zone.

Anything close to halfway would have been considered a major win for the Rams, but the punter did much, much better than that, as he launched the ball 65 yards for the longest punt in Super Bowl history.

The Patriots could have been nicely set in Rams territory, but instead they'll start from inside their own half.

TOUGH STARTING POSITION FOR RAMS

The Rams stopped the Patriots from building any offensive momentum, but the Pats' punt has left Jared Goff and co pinned down on their own two-yard line.

The Patriots are beginning to turn the screw. Can the Rams produce something special to break this game wide open?

THE FUTURE SUPER BOWL MVP?

Patriots receiver Julian Edelman is the outstanding offensive player in this game, and he's just had another huge reception on third down. He's having a big game here tonight.

Meanwhile, Patriots defensive back Patrick Chung has been ruled out after being taken off the field with an air cast on an injured arm. His Super Bowl, sadly, is over.

GOFF FLUFFS HIS LINES

Jared Goff just cannot convert a third-down pass play. He's had six such opportunities to do so, and he's blown out on each occasion.

As a result of the Rams' stifled drive, they've punted back to New England, who have the chance to extend their lead.

The Rams have been a potent threat all season, but they look like they've turned up to a gunfight with a water pistol.

HERE COMES TODD GURLEY!

The Rams' running back finally hits his stride as he bursts through for a 16-yard gain, then adds another five or six in the very next play.

Gurley hasn't been a factor in this game so far, but now it looks like he's going to play a part, with the Super Bowl up for grabs.

HERE WE GO!

After a pretty poor first half - and a pretty bland halftime show - it's time for the second half.

The Rams have had plenty of time to formulate a Plan B for the second half after struggling to get the ball moving earlier in the game.

Let's see if things will pick up now...

THE BEST BIT ABOUT HALFTIME

Maroon 5 are playing on the pitch in Atlanta, but they're hardly blowing the roof off the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The best thing we've seen so far during halftime is the NFL's 100th anniversary ad, which features a host of star players from past and present.

Interestingly, Rams running back Todd Gurley features, and he may just have rushed for more yards on the ad than he managed in the first half of Super Bowl LIII.

THE RAMS' 1ST-HALF SHORTCOMINGS IN STATS

THE VERDICT SO FAR: NOT THE BEST...

We've seen some classic Super Bowls in recent years, and some incredible games this season.

This, however, is not one of them.

The best thing we can say about that half (other than the fact it's over) is the performance of the Rams' defense.

But Los Angeles' inability to move the ball, coupled with New England being stifled by the Rams' defense, has meant we've had a very scrappy half here in Atlanta.

IT'S HALFTIME...

...and defenses have been on top so far in Atlanta with only Stephen Gostkowski's 41-yard field goal separating the teams at the half.

Maroon 5 will be the headlining act of the halftime show, and that pretty much puts them in the lead, as NFL Network host Rich Eisen explains...

HUGE STOP!

A brilliant stop by the Rams defense on 4th down means they take over on downs with a chance to put something on the board before halftime.

They're receiving the ball at the start of the second half, too. 

It could have been a real momentum shift but the Rams went three and out very quickly and were forced to punt.

TWO-MINUTE WARNING

The first half has been incredibly tight, and the Patriots have the ball at the two-minute warning as they look to extend their lead before halftime.

GURLEY GETS THE BALL, BUT GETS NO ROOM

Finally we see the Rams look to use star running back Todd Gurley.

He gets the ball on first and second down at the start of the drive, but doesn't do enough to earn a first down.

And when Jared Goff is hammered by Kyle Van Noy on third down, the Rams are forced to punt. Again.

ANOTHER BIG STOP FOR THE RAMS

The Rams defense are playing very, very well here as they force another Patriots drive to stop short and punt.

Now it's time for the Rams offense to raise their game and look to put their first points on the board.

So far they've been a shadow of the offensive force we've seen this season. Will it change on this drive?

17 YEARS AGO...

The Patriots won their first Super Bowl, and things looked very different.

SIGNS OF LIFE FOR RAMS, BUT STILL NO GURLEY

The Rams once again had to punt, but not before Jared Goff loosened up his throwing arm and landed a big completion to star receiver Robert Woods.

Another deep ball attempt was broken up to force the punt, but the elephant in the room remains the running back issue.

C.J. Anderson was swamped in the backfield during that drive, and we haven't seen Todd Gurley touch the ball since the Rams' first offensive play of the game.

Something has to be up.

FIELD GOAL: PATRIOTS

After another defensive stop by the Rams, the Patriots wheel out their field goal unit, and kicker Stephen Gostkowski splits the uprights from 41 yards to put the Pats 3-0 up with the first points of the game.

EDELMAN IS DOMINATING

The Patriots' number 11 is the star man of Super Bowl LIII so far. 

The wide receiver just made his fifth catch for a total of 74 yards as the Patriots convert on third down.

The Patriots are doing a better job of moving the ball than the Rams, but the Rams' defense has found a way to halt Tom Brady and co when they needed to.

And that's why we're scoreless.

NO JOY FOR RAMS

Try as they might, the Rams just can't move the ball, and they're forced to punt once again.

Jared Goff is getting some strange defensive lineups to work out, and he hasn't had much help from his run game, which has been almost non-existent so far.

Something needs to change for Los Angeles, and they're relying on their dominant defense to keep things level.

FIRST QUARTER: RAMS 0-0 PATRIOTS

We're scoreless as we head into the second quarter.

"Both D-lines are dominating the game," says Tony Romo.

PATRIOTS PUNT

And it's a good one, leaving the Rams with a starting point inside their own 10 yard line.

The NFC champs kick off the drive with a bulldozing run from second-string running back C.J. Anderson.

We're still waiting for Todd Gurley to make his presence felt. Now wouldn't be a bad time...

BRADY STRIP-SACKED!

But the Patriots recovered the loose ball. A lucky moment for Brady, who had driven the Patriots towards mid-field before being smothered by the Rams' defensive line.

They're still in possession, however, and still looking to move the ball into Rams territory.

RAMS PUNT AGAIN

Despite a couple of encouraging plays, the Rams have yet to find their feet on offense, and haven't really brought star running back Todd Gurley into the game so far.

They punt to the Patriots, who will start again with the ball on their own 19 yard line with just over three minutes to go in the quarter.

03 February 2019

WIDE LEFT!

After the Rams force the Patriots to burn TWO timeouts on that drive, they then stuffed the run on 3rd and 8 to force them to attempt a field goal.

Incredibly, Gostkowski's effort flew wide of the left upright and the Patriots' first serious drive of the game produces zero points.

GRONK GETS HIS FIRST CATCH

And it lands the Pats a first down.

The Patriots offensive machine is beginning to click into gear.

But incredibly, the Patriots have never scored a first-quarter touchdown in the eight previous Super Bowls they've played with Tom Brady at quarterback.

That stat may be about to change. The Pats are within shooting range.

THREE AND OUT FOR RAMS

The Rams couldn't get any momentum going, and were forced to punt. Now the Patriots take possession again deep in their own territory.

Don't be surprised to see Brady look for his trusty tight-end Rob Gronkowski to get his passing game up and running in this drive.

INTERCEPTION!

Tom Brady's first pass of Super Bowl LIII is aimed at Chris Hogan, but the ball is tipped into the air by Nickell Robey-Coleman and linebacker Cory Littleton completes the interception.

HUGE play for the Rams, who now get the chance to make a dent in the Patriots defense early in the game.

The first play from scrimmage is, predictably, a run. Sony Michel bursts through the line to gain a first down with his first touch of the game.

THE RAMS WIN THE TOSS...

...and have elected to defer, so the Patriots will receive the ball first here at Super Bowl LIII.

Many pundits pre-game suggested the Rams should take possession first if they won the toss to avoid going behind and playing catch-up against the Patriots.

But Sean McVay's team have elected to give the Pats the ball first.

NFL analyst Tony Romo's reaction: "It's risky!"

IT'S ALMOST TIME FOR KICK-OFF

So why not show you a couple of NFL fans who are world superstars from the "other" football...

Harry Kane and Kaka!

THE COACHES MEET BEFORE KICK-OFF...

The match offers a fascinating clash between New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who is about to coach his ninth Super Bowl with the Patriots, and Rams head coach Sean McVay, who is about to coach his first.

Belichick is 66 years of age, but McVay is half his age.

If McVay gets the win tonight, he'll be the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl, aged 33 years, 10 days.

ROMO IS READY

The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback-turned-NFL analyst Tony Romo has been one of the stories of this NFL season with his infectious excitable persona and ability to predict the action just moments before it unfolds.

He's on co-commentary duty today, and he's just tweeted a video of his view from the commentary box. The teams are about to be introduced ahead of kick-off. The atmosphere is building!

POTENTIAL GAMECHANGER: AARON DONALD

Ask around the NFL about the most feared defensive force in the league and many will mention the name of Aaron Donald. The Rams' defensive lineman is arguably the most dominant lineman in the game, and his constant pressure has helped shake the most composed quarterbacks out of their comfort zones this season.

The Super Bowl MVP award is more often than not won by offensive players, but if a defensive player is going to win it at this year's game, Donald will be the most likely candidate to claim the award.

The Rams would need to win, and he would need to have an incredible day to overcome the Patriots' in-form offensive line. But if anyone can prove the game winner from the defensive side of the ball, it's Donald.

POTENTIAL GAMECHANGER: ROB GRONKOWSKI

Every quarterback needs a go-to target, a big-game, big-play player who they can rely on to deliver the goods and make crucial plays at crucial times. For Tom Brady and the Patriots, that man is two-time Super Bowl-winning tight end Rob Gronkowski.

"Gronk" may not have had as prolific a regular season as we've seen in previous years, but he's turned up the output in the post-season and the fun-loving Patriots star had an incredible game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

He'll be Brady's go-to man once again in the Super Bowl and, if he's targeted as frequently by his quarterback as he was against the Chiefs, he could be a major offensive factor in the game on Sunday.

POTENTIAL GAMECHANGER: TODD GURLEY

One of the big questions heading into this weekend's Super Bowl surrounds the fitness and form of the Rams' star running back. At his best, Todd Gurley is untouchable as the NFL's best running back, and during the regular season he delivered the goods once again.

But in the playoffs his form dropped off, and he was used sparingly during the NFC Championship Game against New Orleans, with powerhouse reserve C.J. Anderson stepping into the breach while Gurley stood on the sidelines.

If Gurley is fit and firing, he could be a game-winner for the Rams. But if he's only a bit-part player once again, the Rams may find themselves up against it on offense.

POTENTIAL GAMECHANGER: SONY MICHEL

Rookie running back Sony Michel took a little while to ease his way into head coach Bill Belichick's main offensive plans, but the former Georgia Bulldogs star has grown into not just a feature back for the Patriots, but the team's most dynamic rushing threat.

Aided and abetted by powerhouse fullback James Develin, who has consistently punched holes in opposition defenses to allow Michel's quick feet to shine, the rookie star has become a major weapon for the Patriots this season.

Michel's displays in the playoffs have taken things to a new level, and he represents the best chance of a rookie winning the Super Bowl MVP award this year.

POTENTIAL GAMECHANGER: JARED GOFF

The Los Angeles Rams quarterback is still a relative newcomer compared to his more senior opposite number, but he's heading into the Super Bowl on the back of a brilliant third season in the NFL.

Once questioned as a possible draft bust, Goff has buried those doubts with a superb season leading the livewire Rams offense in 2018. 

And now, after a series of brilliant throws in the NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints, Goff looks in the form of his life heading into the big show this weekend. 

All the talk is about Brady being the GOAT, but Goff might just be ready to steal his thunder on the big stage this weekend.

POTENTIAL GAMECHANGER: TOM BRADY

We couldn't start anywhere else, could we? Brady is, by almost everyone's standards, the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

The five-time Super Bowl champion may be 41 years of age, but he's still every bit as good as he was five years ago and he's still the inspirational leader of the Patriots team.

Without him, it's hard to see the Patriots having the level of dominance we've seen from them over the last few years. But with him under center, the Pats are never out of contention.

He's won five Super Bowls, and he's been the Super Bowl's MVP on four occasions. If the Patriots win, it's a fair bet that he'll be the reason why.

DUDE, THIS IS PERFECT!

A few years back, a group of college friends got together and started to challenge each other complete ever more improbable trick shots. They turned their attempts into a YouTube channel and now "DudePerfect" is a hugely popular brand, with eye-poppingly spectacular videos.

Their latest effort, in partnership with the NFL, saw the crew try a host of incredible trick shots at tonight's Super Bowl LIII venue, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

We can only imagine how many attempts they needed to nail these tricks, but the final results were amazing.

AN AWESOME VENUE FOR A HUGE OCCASION

The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, is the spectacular venue for tonight's event.

The arena has an incredible retractable roof that opens and closes to suit the weather conditions. It's currently closed, but we understand it will be opened in time for kick-off.

The stadium cost a staggering US$1.6 billion to build, and has an official capacity of 71,000 for American Football events.

It's a spectacular stadium for a spectacular event, but which team will rise to the occasion and claim victory tonight?

PAC-MAN SHOWS HIS SUPPORT

Another famous pugilist has nailed his colors to the mast ahead of tonight's big game.

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is backing the Patriots tonight, as he tweets his support for fellow fortysomething sporting veteran Tom Brady.

THE NOTORIOUS IS IN THE HOUSE

The Super Bowl attracts celebrities from across the full gamut of showbusiness and sport, with tickets and hospitality places packed with stars of stage, screen and the sporting arena on Super Bowl Sunday.

One such star is former two-division UFC champ Conor McGregor, who made headlines earlier this NFL season when he visited with the Dallas Cowboys.

But who is "Mystic Mac" backing tonight...?

DOES RUSSIA HAVE SUPER BOWL FEVER?

There's no doubting the Super Bowl is one of the world's biggest sporting events, but the reach of the NFL isn't quite at the same level as some other sports (such as football) as our man found out when he hit the streets to see whether Moscow had Super Bowl fever.

Check out his hilarious adventures here...

IT'S SUPER BOWL TIME!

It's the biggest show in American sport, and it's here tonight, as the LA Rams and the New England Patriots face off for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta at Super Bowl LIII.

We're all prepped and ready, with snacks to hand, energy drinks ready and maybe even a halftime beer or two. But most of all, we're excited for the fascinating clash between the dominant AFC champion Patriots and the surging new stars of the NFC, the Rams.

We'll bring you live updates throughout the night for what promises to be another huge sporting occasion.