New England Patriots defeat Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in a defensive struggle to win franchise's sixth Super Bowl

ATLANTA (AP) — New England Patriots defeat Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in a defensive struggle to win franchise's sixth Super Bowl. </s> Patriots Are Super Bowl Champions Again, Beat The Rams 13-3

In a testament to the enduring power of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots emerged victorious in Super Bowl LIII for the team's sixth championship victory since 2002.

The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in a slow-moving game with the lowest total score in Super Bowl history. That means the oldest quarterback-coach duo in Super Bowl history has defeated the youngest duo, Jared Goff and Sean McVay.

"[The Patriots] played like champions," Belichick said. "Everybody counted us out from the beginning of the season, the mid-season, but we're still here."

Wide receiver Julian Edelmen was named Super Bowl LIII MVP, after a remarkable showing with 149 yards and 10 receptions.

"It was an unbelievable year," Brady said after the game. "We fought through it more so than anything. It's unbelievable to win this game."

For the second time in as many decades, the Super Bowl featured a David versus Goliath clash between the Patriots and the Rams — but this time, the teams had swapped roles. The Rams weren't the big, bad favorites they were back in 2002, the last time they met the Patriots on the NFL's biggest stage. And the Patriots didn't stride onto the field as the lovable underdogs they were when Tom Brady was just a blushing sophomore.

These days, the Rams hail from Los Angeles, Brady's Hall of Fame career is old enough to vote and the question on the minds of everyone outside New England before the big game was some variation on the following: Could the Patriots please quit winning already?

As it turns out, no.

At the outset, pressure from the LA defense looked like it could pose an insurmountable challenge to quarterback Brady. That proved not to be the case.

The Patriots put the first points on the board with a second-quarter field goal, answered in the third-quarter by the Rams. But the teams went the first three quarters of the game without a touchdown — a first in Super Bowl history.

Viewers complained about the low-scoring game, while commentators suggested that Rams kicker Johnny Hekker's record for the longest punt in Super Bowl history – at 65 yards – was the most exciting part of an otherwise incredibly boring night.

And then the Patriots scored the first touchdown of the game. An impressive 29-yard catch by tight end Rob Gronkowski brought the Pats within scoring distance, and running back Sony Michel sealed the deal with a 2-yard touchdown run.

Any hopes for a comeback by the Rams were more or less dashed by a Stephen Gostkowski field goal for the Patriots in the closing minutes of the game.

"Coach Belichick did an outstanding job," said McVay after his team's loss. "There's really no other way to put it. You know, I'm pretty numb right now, but definitely I got out-coached."

The Patriots are now tied for most Super Bowl victories with the Pittsburgh Steelers — six apiece. It's their second victory in three years. And although the game was the lowest scoring in Super Bowl history, it was also the highest margin of victory for New England in any Super Bowl.

We were here, live-blogging it all — read through it all below. Plus, because we're NPR, we also solicited your poetry. You sent us your best Super Bowl haikus – with the hashtag #superbowlhaiku — and they were so great that we forgive you for how many were about how bored you were during the game.

The Patriots have won it again. A fourth-quarter touchdown for the Pats – and a quick field goal in the last few minutes – left the final score at 13-3. The Patriots are now tied for the most Super Bowl titles with the Pittsburgh Steelers at six apiece.

It was the first Super Bowl without a touchdown in the first three quarters, but it won't be the first with no touchdown at all.

Running back Sony Michel scored the first touchdown to give the Patriots a seven-point lead. The play followed an impressive catch by fan-favorite Gronkowski, who deftly avoided defenders to march the Pats far down the field.

That brings the score to 10-3, or a cumulative 13 points, with fewer than 10 minutes remaining on the clock. The lowest-scoring Super Bowl in history was Super Bowl VII, when Miami won 14-7 — that's 21 total points.

And with a 53-yard field goal at the end of the third quarter by LA's Greg Zuerlein, the Rams have tied the game a 3-3.

In a worrying development for the Patriots, strong safety Patrick Chung left the field with an arm injury and will not return.

"Chung [is] one of the unsung players of the latter part of this Patriots dynasty," writes FiveThirtyEight's Neil Payne. "He's fifth on the team in starts this decade."

On the Rams side, Jared Goff has continued to struggle to keep pace with Brady. The LA quarterback has taken an average of 3.20 seconds to throw the ball, compared to Brady's 2.38, according to NextGen Stats.

But Johnny Hekker's eighth punt (more than any he's had in a game this season for the Rams) did set a record for the longest in Super Bowl history, at 65 yards. Commentators say it might be the most exciting part of the game, which, if true, is not a promising sign for viewer numbers.

"Why am I still watching?" asked several fans, who are still watching. And a haiku:

A "professional, tuneful, mildly exciting" halftime show, NPR's Eric Deggans says. "Not enough fireworks, gospel choirs or drumlines in Atlanta to move the needle higher on that one."

Deggans has also been following advertisements, the other highlight of the evening. If you're curious about how companies spent their millions on prime time advertising this year, he's tracked the hits and misses.

All is fair in love and advertisements. More from him on Twitter.

The game is halfway done, and the Patriots are still up three. It's been a surprisingly low-scoring game for a couple of the strongest offensive teams in the league, not to mention the second-lowest scoring first half in Super Bowl history.

The Pats so far have a missed field gold, a turnover on downs and a Tom Brady interception — which helps explain the stark difference between their huge lead in yards and small lead in the game.

The official commentators have had their say all night — but you've also been giving us your takes. Here are some of our favorite haikus hitting on everything from the game itself, the snacks and Colin Kaepernick. Keep sending by using the hashtag #SuperBowlHaiku.

The first points of the game went to the Patriots, as Stephen Gostkowski made his second attempt at a field goal, this time from 42 yards. Halfway through the second quarter, the score is now 3-0.

One name making a mark so far this game for a series of sharp plays is Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelmen. Early in the second quarter, the 32-year-old player had 74 yards alone to the Ram's 32 cumulative yards.

It's nothing new for Edelman, who has the second-most postseason receiving yards in NFL history — after Jerry Rice. The site SBNation has even drawn a comparison between Edelman and Rice.

Several notable absences tonight: Cardi B, Jay-Z and Rihanna all turned down the chance to perform at halftime in a show of support for former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who became the first player to take a knee during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. He has filed a grievance against the NFL, alleging that teams have colluded to keep him out of the league.

Support for Kaepernick has been widespread on social media tonight. #I'mWithKap started trending before the game, with tweets from New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow, rapper Common, comedian Nick Cannon, film director Ava Duvernay and actress Jodie Turner-Smith, among others.

"I will not be a spectator, viewer or supporter of the #SuperBowl today in protest of the @NFL's racist treatment of @Kaepernick7 and its ongoing disregard for the health + well-being of all its players," DuVernay wrote. "To watch the game is to compromise my beliefs. It's not worth it. #ImWithKap"

Basketball stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant were both spotted in No. 7 jerseys — Kaepernick's old number — in support of Kaepenick over the weekend.

The first quarter came to a close with the score tied at 0-0. Stephen Gostkowski missed the Patriot's first field goal attempt of the night, from 46 yards away.

Patriot's tight end Rob Gronkowski, better known as "Gronk," did notch a new record in his belt, according to ESPN Stats and Information, when he made his 18th career catch in a Super Bowl. He now has the most catches by a tight end in Super Bowl history.

The Patriots kept up their streak of never scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of a Super Bowl.

Just minutes into the game, the Rams — who also won the coin toss — made their first interception. Nickell Robey-Coleman jumped high and knocked the ball out of the air — and Cory Littleton slid in to make the catch.

It was a rare interception for Brady, who has twice thrown 48 passes without an interception in a Super Bowl, and a potentially positive sign for the Rams.

Meanwhile on the sidelines, Coach McVay's "get-back guy" is hard at work already, keeping the young coach out of the game's way.

It's over 60 degrees in Atlanta ahead of kickoff – a balmy evening on the heels of the recent polar vortex — but Wade Phillips, defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, strolled into Mercedes-Benz Stadium sporting a heavy sheepskin coat.

Phillips, the 71-year-old veteran working with 33-year-old head coach Sean McVay, paid tribute to his late father with a coat and cowboy hat identical to Oail Andrew "Bum" Phillips' renowned outfit.

Bum was a head coach in the NFL in the 1970's and 80's, first for the dominant Houston Oilers then for the New Orleans Saints. He cut a striking Texan figure as he strolled the sidelines in his unmistakable cowboy hat and boots.

"Bum Phillips was a country cowboy, never met a stranger, was a great player's coach," John McClain, who has covered the NFL for 40 years, told NPR in 2013. "He would stop practice, and he would have an ice cream truck come on the field."

Bum died in 2013, at the age of 90. The younger Phillips — who is currently the second-oldest coordinator in the NFL — has written a book about his father, "Son of Bum: Lessons My Dad Taught Me About Football and Life." </s> The first touchdown between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia didn't come until the fourth quarter.

It was 3-3 after three quarters.

After last year's wild, high-scoring Eagles-Patriots Super Bowl, this one was a major letdown, and football fans aren't happy.

Here are some of the best (and funniest) tweets about the most boring Super Bowl ... ever? </s> New England Patriots take on Los Angeles Rams, who make a return in the Super Bowl LIII after 17 years, on Sunday. The last time the Rams featured in the Super Bowl, it was against the same opponent.

Earlier in the NFC title game, the Rams took advantage of a questionable decision by the referees as they went on to beat New Orleans Saints in overtime. They scored a game-tying field goal with less than two minutes on the clock and then went on to get a turnover in overtime before nailing a long-distance field goal.

Patriots, on the other hand, under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick era would look to secure their sixth Super Bowl title. Despite getting off to a great start against Chiefs in the AFC Championship, the Patriots made a touchdown drive in overtime to secure a berth in the summit clash.

This edition of Super Bowl will feature Maroon 5 during the half-time interval. The three-time Grammy-winning band will be joined by Big Boi, who is from the host city (Atlanta), and Travis Scott, a Grammy nominated rapper, on the stage. Here is all you need to know ahead of the clash.

Super Bowl LIII will take place on Monday, February 4, 2019 – per Indian time zone.

Super Bowl LIII will take place at 5:00 AM IST.

Where will it be played?

The 2019 Super Bowl will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

How do I watch the game?

CBS network will broadcast the Super Bowl LIII and the live streaming will be available on the official website of CBS. There will be no live broadcast of the Super Bowl in India. IndianExpress.com will have the post-match coverage. </s> The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots will meet in Super Bowl LII on Feb. 4 in Minneapolis, Minn. They won the NFC and AFC Championships, respectively, on Sunday.

New England overcame a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 24-10. The Eagles routed the Minnesota Vikings, 38-7. </s> ATLANTA, Ga. — The New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams are squaring off in Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Georgia. Check out some images from the game in our gallery below. </s> The Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots meet in the Super Bowl at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Here’s a look at matchups for the game.

Who: Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots

Outlook: So about that part of only becoming aware of our age at exceptional moments … this would qualify for the main Super Bowl characters. Bill Belichick is 66 and Tom Brady 41, the coach and quarterback of the Patriots making their ninth appearance in the season’s final game with the franchise and seeking a sixth ring together. Sean McVay is 33 and Jared Goff 24, counterparts with the Rams and owners of zero Super Bowl trips and jewelry. Countless other supporting actors will play parts on both sides in the NFL’s most fan-friendly stadium. Here’s how A Game for the Ages just might play out …

When the Rams have the ball: Brian Billick was the coach in Baltimore for nine seasons, won a Super Bowl in his time with the Ravens and was pretty clear on his thinking when it came to which team might prevail Sunday: “Mark my words,” he said, “if Monday morning comes and we are talking about the Rams being Super Bowl champions, Todd Gurley had a huge game.” It might seem simple — the most talented running back in the game having an impact on its outcome — but given Gurley hasn’t been 100 percent and was passed over for C.J. Anderson in the NFC championship game, nothing is certain. You figure Belichick in two weeks of preparation will have found something to disrupt the play-action preference of the Rams and Goff, which means Gurley at his best — he led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns this season and was third in yards at 1,251 — could prove Billick correct. Nobody in the league run blocks better than the Rams, and they need another such effort to win this one.

When the Patriots have the ball: Those surrounding Brady might not have the overall skill of past Super Bowl offenses for the Patriots, but never underestimate the importance of having been here, done that, lots of bling for the guy making throws. Few quarterbacks get the ball out of their hands quicker than Brady, which could be a good thing to avoid the potent rush of the Rams and a not-so-good thing if Los Angeles defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is on his game when disguising coverages. Rob Gronkowski might be headed for retirement after the game, but for now the Patriots tight end appears as healthy and capable as he has been in some time. Julien Edelman must solve the coverage of Nickell Robey-Coleman, which means Edelman better duck if running an out pattern late in the game and New England trying to secure a win. The Patriots do as good a job as any other team attacking an opponent’s weaknesses, and Brady, Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels have had ample time to discover where those lie with the Rams.

Key matchup: Patriots offensive line vs. Rams defensive line. This is it. This is where someone will win or lose the Super Bowl. If the talented front of Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Michael Brockers can’t apply enough pressure on Brady and force him into third-and-long and perhaps a few costly throws, another ring for the greatest of all quarterbacks becomes a far more likely conclusion. Hard part for the Rams is, New England counters with one of the NFL’s finest offensive lines. Brady has yet to be sacked these playoffs. By the way — the Rams are 18-0 when Donald records a sack. When he doesn’t, they usually lose.

Possible unsung hero for Patriots: James White. It’s true rookie running back Sony Michel has been a pleasant surprise and will see his share of carries, but consider: White is second on the team with 751 yards receiving, had three touchdowns in a Super Bowl win against the Falcons two years ago and the Rams have been known to struggle covering guys out of the backfield (see Alvin Kamara in the NFC championship game). Brady loves involving those who have proven their worth in the biggest games. White is such an option.

Possible unsung hero for Rams: Goff. How can a starting quarterback in the Super Bowl be considered unsung? When it’s this quarterback. His coach might believe in him, but it doesn’t appear many others outside the Rams’ locker room do, still perhaps seeing more of the No. 1 overall pick who went 0-7 as a starter his rookie year instead of the one who led clutch fourth-quarter comebacks in the latter stages of this season. Is he merely a system quarterback reliant on McVay’s skill as a coach to succeed, or is there more to Goff? If it means winning Sunday, we’re not sure he cares all that much.

Key stat: 58. The combined number of turnovers the Rams (30) and Patriots (28) forced this season, ranking third and fifth among NFL teams. But both teams have taken care of the ball during the playoffs, with the Rams committing one turnover and New England two.

Did you know?: Brady and Goff have managed just three touchdown passes between them in these playoffs, the first Super Bowl since 1971 in which the quarterbacks have entered the game with fewer than a combined four.

Something to watch: If the Rams are leading after three quarters, some in-game wagering might be a smart call. They are 21-0 under McVay when leading after 45 minutes. Of course, New England is 16-0 when leading after one quarter since the start of 2017, so you could be making bets both ways all afternoon.

Quotable: “Playing in (the Super Bowl), you have the two best teams, and you fight it out and just one team wins and there’s no do-overs. There isn’t any retakes or Hollywood scripts or anything. This is live bullets, and we’ve got to go out there and get the job done under pressure.” — Brady. </s> New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles to Face Off At 2018 Super Bowl

Sunday’s AFC and NFC championship games -- one a comeback, the other a blowout -- gave us the lineup for the Super Bowl that will pit the New England Patriots against the Philadelphia Eagles.



Quarterback Tom Brady, with 12 stitches in his hand, led the Patriots in a 24-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars to put them in the Super Bowl for a record 10th time.



Philadelphia didn’t need a comeback, the Eagles dominated the Minnesota Vikings after the Vikings' touchdown on the opening drive, winning the NFC championship 38-7.



Super Bowl LII (52), with all its pageantry, commercials and parties, is set for Feb. 4

Here’s how to watch Super Bowl LII:

 When: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018

 Who: The New England Patriots vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

 Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

 National anthem: Pink will sing the national anthem

 Halftime entertainment: Justin Timberlake will headline the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show

 What time: 6:30 p.m. ET 

 What channel: NBC will broadcast the game 

 Odds: The Patriots are favored by five points, according to OddsShark. </s> It’s been determined, the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles will take to the field for Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4.

The Patriots came from behind to knock off the Jacksonville Jaguars 24-20 in the AFC Championship on Sunday, while the Eagles surprisingly blew out the Minnesota Vikings 38-7 in the NFC Championship.

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In American football, the New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII by a score of 13–3.