Patriots’ Defense Prevails in Super Bowl LIII

By SOPHIA LI ‘19

Super Bowl LIII, which took place on February 3rd, 2019, is a game that many Patriot fans will never forget. The Patriots were the underdog for most of the play-off season, and many fans were worried that Brady’s glory days were coming to an end. Leading up to the AFC Championship game, the odds were in favor of the Chiefs. The opening spread for the game was Chiefs -2.5, meaning the Chiefs were favored to win by 3 points. This was the first time in 69 consecutive games that the Patriots were not favored to win. But Tom Brady proved himself to be the greatest of all time once again and led the Patriots to another AFC victory, securing their spot in Super Bowl LIII.

This year the Patriots faced the L.A. Rams, a team with one of the best defenses in the NFC. Not only did the Rams have a strong defensive line-up, but they also had many young players ready to take on the Patriots. Their quarterback, Jared Goff, was only 7 years old when Brady won the first of his six super bowls. Goff and the Rams were a formidable opponent that threatened to end the Patriots reign over the NFL; but as Super Bowl LIII began, there was no doubt that the Patriots ready for the Rams.

As soon as the whistle blew, the Patriots and the Rams immediately entered a scoring stalemate. Each teams’ defense played their best football of the season. The Rams shut down Brady’s offense and Goff struggled to break through the defense of Brian Flores, the Patriots defensive coordinator. The first quarter ended with a zero to zero tie. The next two quarters were a continuation of the first, with each team only able to score a combined total of six points. But halfway into the fourth quarter, the Patriots, with help from Rob Gronkowski and Sony Michel, managed to take the lead 10-3. The Rams immediately responded. With a quick succession of passes, the Rams were on the Patriots’ 27-yard line. Goff, feeling the pressure, threw an incomplete pass to Brandon Cooks. His next attempt was easily intercepted by Patriots’ cornerback, Stephon Gilmore on the Patriots’ 4-yard line. With the ball back, the Patriots managed to seal their victory with a field goal from kicker Stephen Gostkowski. The Rams made one last-ditch effort to remain in the game, but the Patriots were no stranger to pressure and managed to keep the Rams at bay.

The Patriots won Super Bowl LIII 13-3. According to nfl.com, many believed that the Rams would outplay the Patriots defensively, preventing Brady from making any offensive progress. However, the Patriots, one of the best offensive lines in the league, were able to play around the two strongest Rams defenders Suh and Donalds. By double teaming and quick snapping, the Patriots managed to find gaps in the defense that lead to scoring opportunities.

The Rams offense could not establish a rhythm around the Patriots’ defense. Goff constantly felt the pressure in the pocket and could not find many scoring opportunities. In the end, the Patriots defense outplayed the Rams defense.

This Super Bowl win marked Tom Brady’s sixth ring. He is now the record holder for the most career wins as an NFL player. Now, all eyes are on Super Bowl LIV and many are left wondering if Brady will do the impossible and win a seventh Super Bowl.