FOXBORO — As it turned out, the Super Bowl LI rematch between the Patriots and Atlanta Falcons was a mismatch. Just not the one anyone predicted.
Bill Belichick’s defense was too much for Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the Falcons prolific offense. Maybe we should say formerly prolific offense, because it hasn’t been the same since the Super Bowl, but that wouldn’t be giving the Pats defense its proper due.
An upset, and pleasant surprise, this was the story of the night, as the Pats’ much-maligned defense emerged from the heavy fog that enveloped Gillette Stadium last night to hold Ryan & Co.