Despite low score, history was made in Super Bowl 53
On Feb. 3, history was made during Super Bowl LIII as career milestones were broken, but the lack of play from two of the top-scoring offenses in the league set records as well.
After 60 minutes of football, the New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. The New England Patriots franchise tied the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl championships in NFL history. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady won his sixth Super Bowl ring, making him the winningest quarterback in Super Bowl history.
From the start, both defenses demonstrated their prowess. Brady’s first pass of the game was intercepted by Cory Littleton after only two minutes into the game.
The Patriots and Rams finished scoreless after the first quarter for only the ninth time in championship history.
The Los Angeles Rams settled for a total of 260 total offensive yards with star running back Todd Gurley only rushing 10 times for 35 yards. However, although the New England Patriots gathered 407 total yards with 154 rushing they still were only able to find the end zone once.
All that mattered to the Patriots and their fans was to win the game.
“The score could have been one to zero, as long as Tom Brady got his sixth ring.” said first-year Brandon Carter.
Los Angeles had a slow start and their offense remained stagnant for most of the game. They went the entire game without scoring a single touchdown. They were the first team to ever punt on their first seven possessions in the Super Bowl. It was a good day for punter Johnny Hekker, who tallied a whopping 65-yard punt for the longest in Super Bowl history. Rams fans on campus hoped for more out of their team.
“If we were going to lose, at least give us something fun to watch while it was going on,” said first-year Evan King.
New England receiver Julian Edelman garnered the Most Valuable Player award for the game with 10 catches for 141 yards. The Kent State product is the 11th player in history to reel in six or more catches in more than one Super Bowl game.
His teammate, tight end Rob Gronkowski, broke milestones for his position as well. He became the all-time leader in receptions by a tight end in Super Bowl history. Gronkowski finished the game with 87 receiving yards.
Though the game appeared slow for fans watching around the country, both teams set historical marks.
The Patriots currently have the best odds to win Super Bowl 54 in 2020. The Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams follow according to William Hill, one of the world’s leading betting companies.