What If the Atlanta Falcons Won Super Bowl LI Instead of the Patriots?

By Jason Bolton August 09, 2024 00:04

Photo by AL BELLO/Getty Images

Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, 2017: The Atlanta Falcons blew a 25-point second-half lead to lose Super Bowl LI in overtime to Brady's Patriots. But what if Atlanta had completed the greatest moment in sports history and won its first championship? This article will discuss what would happen if the Falcons were to win Super Bowl LI and how it would affect the outcome of that game, and much more.

Game Recap and Outcome

A Different Game Unfolds

Let's say the Falcons keep it rolling after forging a seemingly insurmountable 28-3 advantage and MVP quarterback Matt Ryan continues with ice in his veins. Atlanta's offensive line, which had played well nightly, gives Ryan adequate time to find his targets such as Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu.

Key Moments:

The Falcons run the clock as they hit paydirt for a third time. Devonta Freeman, who had scored on a TD run earlier in the game, rips through an opening built by his offensive line and runs to daylight time after time while eating up the clock and keeping Tom Brady off of the field.

The Falcons' defense, which quite frankly showed flashes of good competence throughout the year, answered with two big-time defensive stands. Linebacker Deion Jones and defensive end Grady Jarrett stepped up to make key stops that stalled the Patriots' offense before it could get into a rhythm. The game turned when Jones stole an intended pass for Danny Amendola and tipped it toward Atlanta.

The Falcons play a basic game plan in the final quarter. They employ a balanced attack, blending runs with quick routes to move the sticks through short passes. Ryan completed a pass to tight end Austin Hooper for the touchdown with 4:46 left, making it 35-17.

With just two minutes left, the Patriots finally score the touchdown to make it 35-24, but they are unable to recover their own onside kick. So let us cut to the final play clock, killing the kneel down by the Falcons as they take a 35-24 win.

Implications for the Falcons

Legacy and Future Prospects

A Super Bowl win would metaphorically be everything for the Falcons. No longer would the franchise long associated with playoff failure be seen in that light. The win would etch Matt Ryan's name in the annals of history as one of his era's greatest quarterbacks and change conversations about whether or not he'll ever make it to Canton.

Key Players:

Matt Ryan's career outlook would drastically differ if he had been named Super Bowl MVP. He would become a franchise immortal, and the championship would contribute to his contract negotiations.

Julio Jones, the standout receiver, has already been established as one of the best in football history and a potential Hall of Famer. His Super Bowl showing would become a championship-game turning point and further etch his place among NFL royalty.

Head Coach Dan Quinn would receive a ton of flak after the disappointing loss, but he would be looked at as a genius for taking his team to victory. His coaching thesis and tactics would be dissected far and wide around the league.

Changing the Narrative

A win by the Falcons would overhaul how we view that team. They would be remembered as heroes who scaled heights no Falcons team had ever reached. The whole thing would encourage a new era of franchise fans and brand the team as legit contenders in an NFL period.

The Patriots Dynasty Effect

Disruption of the Dynasty

A Falcons win would change all of that, and it would mean something big for the Patriots franchise and epoch as we know them today. And then Tom Brady is already anointed as the best quarterback of all time to many different people. Instead of another Super Bowl heading to his resume, he'd go down as the man who led a loss in one of the biggest upsets not just in NFL history but all sports history, and it's possible it would have tarnished his legacy.

Key Points:

Brady's Conundrum: A loss would only further the discussion about Brady being unable to execute in tight-pressure games. It would be the first chink in his armor and debates over whether he was still the GOAT as a result of some critics.

The Patriots: The Patriots' Complete dominance of the NFL would be challenged in terms of maintaining their status as a perennial contender. Perhaps this would result in changes in makeup and game plan as the team picks up the pieces from a stinging defeat.

Shifting the Balance of Power

A win by the Falcons would also change things in the league. In a sense, Other teams would be inspired by the Falcons, so there might no longer be only one team in total command of our destiny. The Patriots, though certainly still powerful, would cease to be considered invulnerable ones, and this could only mean a way in for other franchises more thirsty for glory.

Broader Impact on the NFL

Ripple Effects on the League

So, should the impact of a Falcons Super Bowl win be read on as it goes beyond just two teams? Winning would lead other teams to follow the same formula, which meant concentrating on two-way players. Teams would dissect the Falcons' game plan to use some of what made them successful.

Key Changes:

The Falcons' win could change the playoff picture in years to come. With increased confidence, the Falcons can become regulars and contend, while the Patriots might finally have lost their stranglehold.

Based on team rankings: The win would move the Falcons up power ratings and earn them a spot in discussions about teams among the NFL elite. This could lead to other franchises wanting to spend money on talent and coaching to be able to compete for the top.

Altering the NFL's Trajectory

Things would change dramatically over the years after Super Bowl LI. Players would want to play in Atlanta, and the Falcons would have a ring. On the other hand, the Patriots would come under more scrutiny and pressure to take back their championship again.

Examining this scenario with the Atlanta Falcons winning Super Bowl LI provides a case study of how one game can change the annals of history for an organization, its players, and even in league-wide conversations. A win would have altered the Falcons' legacy, probably curtailed the Patriots dynasty, and certainly changed more than a bit of football history.