Super Bowl 2019 Recap: Patriots win defensive battle over Rams, 13-3

Last year’s Super Bowl between the Patriots and Eagles was insane due to the unstoppable offense between the Patriots and Eagles. It took one defensive play in that game — a late forced fumble on Brady — to allow the Eagles to hold on for a 41-33 victory. This year’s Super Bowl was a much different story, though, as defense reigned supreme. It took one touchdown half-way through the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, as the Patriots are champions once again, defeating the Rams by a final score of 13-3.

The Patriots got on the board first with a 42-yard field goal in the second quarter. They took that 3-0 lead into the half, and it stayed that way until late into the third when Rams K Greg Zuerlein connected from 53 yards out to tie things up 3-3. The biggest offensive play of the game came with just over seven minutes to go in the fourth quarter, when QB Tom Brady connected with TE Rob Gronkowski to get down to the goal line.

One play later, RB Sony Michel punched it in for the game’s only touchdown, making it 10-3. The Rams looked to be putting together their own drive to retaliate — in fact, WR Brandin Cooks missed a contested but catchable pass at the goal line. One play later, QB Jared Goff tried again on a heavy blitz, and was picked off by the waiting Patriots:

The Patriots had a decision to make on 4th-and-inches with just over a minute to go in the game. They sent out K Stephen Gostkowski, and he put the nail in the coffin with a 41-yard field goal. WR Julian Edelman took home MVP honors with a 10-catch, 141-yard performance.

The following former Browns now have a Super Bowl ring:

• QB Brian Hoyer
• WR Josh Gordon
• DT Danny Shelton
• CB Jason McCourty

Shelton and McCourty both played against the Rams. Hoyer actually received a lot of credit from the Patriots’ defense for his contribution in helping the team prepare for Goff:

What did you think of Super Bowl 53?