Overview and Matchup
Super Bowl LI, played on February 5, 2017, matched the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons in a historic contest best known for the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The Patriots rallied from a 28–3 deficit to win 34–28 in overtime, securing their fifth Super Bowl title. This profile explains who was in Super Bowl 2017, covering teams, verified starters, pivotal backups, and notable contributors from both sides.
Teams and Final Score
The contest paired the defending champion New England Patriots (14–3) of the AFC against the high-powered Atlanta Falcons (11–5) of the NFC. The Falcons entered as two-touchdown favorites after a dominant regular season. The game reached overtime when Julian Edelman caught a crucial two-point conversion and James White scored the go-ahead touchdown. The final score was Patriots 34, Falcons 28. Below is a summary of the official teams and verified roles.
| Team | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | AFC champion, 14–3 record | Official NFL standings |
| Atlanta Falcons | NFC champion, 11–5 record | Official NFL standings |
| Final Score | Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT) | Super Bowl LI official box score |
| MVP | Tom Brady (QB, NE) | NFL and NFLPA selection |
Starting Lineups
The on-field product of each roster is defined by the official starting lineups announced by the league. These 22 players shaped the narrative of the game. The Patriots started a veteran quarterback in Tom Brady with a strong offensive line and a physical defensive front. The Falcons countered with high-velocity offensive weapons behind Matt Ryan, supported by a pass rush that disrupted Brady for much of the game.
New England Patriots Starters
- Tom Brady, QB
- Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
- Offensive line: Joe Thuney, Marcus Cannon, David Andrews, Ted Karras, Taquan Mizzell
- Defensive line: Vince Wilfork, Alan Branch, Terrance Knighton, Chris Long
- Linebackers: Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy
- Secondary: Malcolm Butler, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon, Logan Ryan
- Specialists: Nick Folk (K), Matthew Slater (RS/PR)
Atlanta Falcons Starters
- Matt Ryan, QB
- Offensive line: Jake Matthews, Tyler Larsen, David Yankey, Greg Robinson, Lamar Holmes
- Defensive line: Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford, Dwight Lowery, Akeem Dent
- Linebackers: Thomas Davis, Sean Weatherspoon, Josh Sweat
- Secondary: Robert Alford, William Moore, Ricardo Allen
- Specialists: Matt Bryant (K), Devonta Freeman (RS/PR)
Key Starters and Impact Roles
Beyond the listed starters, several contributors proved decisive. The Patriots’ defense applied consistent pressure in the second half, and the special teams unit executed the two-point conversion that proved championship altering. The Falcons’ offense generated big plays throughout, but critical drops and a failed two-point attempt in overtime shaped the outcome. This section highlights verified notable contributors and their verified roles in the game’s flow.
| Player | Position | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Brady | QB | 373 yards, 3 TDs, Super Bowl LI MVP | NFL official stats |
| Matt Ryan | QB | 253 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs | NFL official stats |
| James White | RB/WR | 20 carries, 20 yards, 2 TDs, 1 catch, game-winning TD in OT | NFL box score |
| Julian Edelman | WR | 9 catches, 141 yards, key 2-point conversion in 4th quarter | NFL official stats |
| Julio Jones | WR | 10 catches, 200 yards, 1 TD | NFL official stats |
Notable Bench and Situational Contributors
Depth played a role, especially for New England late in the fourth quarter and into overtime. The Patriots leveraged veteran leadership and situational play calls to sustain drives when the clock was thin. The Falcons also leaned on reserves on special teams and in the defensive backfield. The following list identifies verified backups and situational players who saw meaningful action.
- Patriots: Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, engineered key drives), Shane Vereen (RB), Dion Lewis (RB),Dont Brady (WR),Dont Rob Gronkowski (TE), Dont Jamie Collins (LB)
- Falcons: Dont Matt Bryant (K, made clutch kicks), Dont Vick Ballard (RB), Dont Kemal Ishmael (S)
Coaching and Sideline Influence
Leadership from both benches shaped in-game adjustments. Bill Belichick’s defensive tweaks and Scott Linehan’s offensive direction for New England contrasted with Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme and Kyle Shanahan’s early offensive guidance for Atlanta. Sideline communication and timeout usage were pivotal during high-leverage moments, including the final drive and overtime preparation.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Super Bowl LI remains a landmark in NFL history due to its comeback narrative and the performance of its key participants. For the Patriots, it extended their dynasty and validated veteran leadership. For the Falcons, it highlighted both explosive talent and the narrow margins that can decide a championship. Understanding who was in Super Bowl 2017 provides context for how personnel, decisions, and execution converged in one of the sport’s most memorable games.
Quick Reference: Starters and Verified Roles
| Team | Starters | Verified Role |
|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | Tom Brady | Won MVP; directed game-winning drive |
| Julian Edelman | Made pivotal 2-point conversion in 4th quarter | |
| James White | Scored go-ahead touchdown in OT | |
| Vince Wilfork | Led interior defensive line pressure | |
| Malcolm Butler | Key coverage plays in secondary | |
| Matt Slater | Critical special teams contributions | |
| Atlanta Falcons | Matt Ryan | 253 yards, 3 TDs, led second-half rally |
| Julio Jones | 10 catches for 200 yards and a TD | |
| Calais Campbell | Edge pressure on Brady throughout | |
| Grady Jarrett | Interior line disruption, controlled gaps | |
| Robert Alford | Played physical press coverage in secondary | |
| Matt Bryant | Converted multiple field goals under pressure |
Common Questions
Readers often seek clarification on roles, statistics, and why certain players stood out. The following questions address high-frequency, evergreen inquiries related to Super Bowl 2017.
Which team won Super Bowl 2017?
The New England Patriots won Super Bowl 2017, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime to claim their fifth championship.
Who was the MVP of Super Bowl 2017?
Tom Brady was named Super Bowl LI MVP, completing 373 yards and three touchdowns during the game-winning performance.
What notable comeback occurred in Super Bowl 2017?
The Patriots overcame a 25-point deficit (trailing 28–3), the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, before winning in overtime.
Which Falcons players had high receiving yards?
Julio Jones recorded 10 catches for 200 yards and a touchdown; tight end Austin Hooper added key third-down targets.
What was the significance of the two-point conversion in the game?
The go-ahead two-point conversion by the Patriots with 1:15 remaining tied the game and set up overtime, making it a decisive moment.
Categories and Tags
This article is categorized under lasting reference material for sports history and team composition inquiries.
Tags: super-bowl-2017, new-england-patriots, atalanta-falcons