How a 28–3 deficit became the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history
In short: The 2016 New England Patriots were a team of records and controversies. From Tom Brady's suspension to a historic Super Bowl LI victory, they navigated a season of extreme highs and low-point deficits to cement their legacy in NFL history.
The 2016 season was defined by both dominance and disruption. The Patriots finished the regular season with a league-best 14–2 record, becoming the first American Football League team to reach 500 franchise wins. They also set a record for most consecutive division titles, reaching eight. Nevertheless, the campaign opened amidst dispute; because of his suspected involvement in the 'Deflategate' affair, starting quarterback Tom Brady faced a four-game ban, representing his first absence from a starting lineup since 2008.
Despite the early uncertainty, the team thrived. Under head coach Bill Belichick, who moved into fourth place for most wins as a head coach, the Patriots achieved a record for most pass attempts without an interception to start a season and limited opponents to just 250 points, the fewest allowed since 2003. The roster saw significant movement, including the trade of defensive end Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals and the acquisition of tight end Martellus Bennett from the Chicago Bears.
The season culminated in Super Bowl LI, a game that rewrote the record books. Facing the Atlanta Falcons, the Patriots trailed 28–3 with only 2:12 remaining in the third quarter. They staged a historic rally to win 34–28 in overtime, marking the first Super Bowl decided in overtime and the first time a winner erased a deficit greater than ten points. This victory secured the franchise's fifth Super Bowl title and set new records for Belichick and Brady, who both achieved seven Super Bowl appearances and five wins respectively.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2016 New England Patriots season
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-2016-new-england-patriots-season.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
