The biggest choked lead in NFL history is widely considered to be the collapse of the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017. The Falcons were facing off against the New England Patriots and held a commanding 28-3 lead late in the third quarter. However, they were unable to hold on to their lead and eventually lost the game in overtime, 34-28.
This collapse was particularly shocking because the Falcons had dominated the game up to that point. Their offense, led by quarterback Matt Ryan, was firing on all cylinders, and their defense had been able to contain the potent Patriots offense. It seemed like the Falcons were destined to win their first ever Super Bowl.
But then, everything changed. The Patriots mounted a historic comeback, scoring 25 unanswered points to tie the game and force overtime. The Falcons’ offense sputtered, their defense faltered, and they were unable to make the necessary plays to stop the Patriots’ momentum.
Many factors contributed to the Falcons’ collapse. One key factor was their inability to sustain drives and keep their offense on the field. In the second half, the Falcons’ offense struggled to move the ball and score points, allowing the Patriots to mount their comeback. Additionally, the Falcons’ defense began to tire as the game wore on, and they were unable to generate enough pressure on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
Another factor was the Patriots’ resilience and ability to make clutch plays when it mattered most. Brady, in particular, was masterful in orchestrating the comeback, making accurate throws and leading his team down the field time and time again. The Patriots’ defense also stepped up in the second half, shutting down the Falcons’ offense and forcing turnovers.
The collapse of the Falcons in Super Bowl LI will always be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. It serves as a reminder that no lead is safe in the game of football, and that anything can happen on any given Sunday (or Super Bowl Sunday, in this case).
Other notable collapses in NFL history include the AFC Wild Card Round game between the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Oilers on January 3, 1993. In this game, the Bills overcame a 32-point deficit to win 41-38 in overtime, marking the largest comeback in NFL playoff history.
Another memorable collapse occurred in the NFC Wild Card Round on January 4, 2004, when the Green Bay Packers blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter to lose to the Seattle Seahawks, 33-27 in overtime. This game is often referred to as the “We want the ball and we’re gonna score” game, as Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck famously made that proclamation in overtime before throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
These collapses serve as reminders that in the NFL, no lead is safe and that anything can happen in the course of a game. They also show the importance of mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure.