From pregame to halftime to the championship celebration and everything in between -- see photos of the New England Patriots' historic victory over the L.A. Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
WASHINGTON — Two years after beating Atlanta in the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots won the Super Bowl in Atlanta.
The Patriots won a 13-3 defensive struggle with the Los Angeles Rams to notch their third championship in five years, and did so exactly 17 years after upsetting the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI for the first of their six titles.
Here’s a photo gallery of the historic night in Atlanta.
Fans arrive before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Fans walk near Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Fans stand in line at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Fans pose outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David Goldman)
AP Photo/David Goldman
A Los Angeles Rams fan celebrates outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Fans cookout on the top of a parking garage outside of Mercedes-Benz stadium prior to Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images
Deputies are silhouetted against the Atlanta skyline at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David Goldman)
AP Photo/David Goldman
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Overall of Mercedes-Benz stadium prior to Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium is prepared ahead of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David Goldman)
AP Photo/David Goldman
Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald arrives for warm-ups before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: CEO of the New England Patriots Robert Kraft attends the Super Bowl LIII Pregame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke walks on the field before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank speaks to people on the sideline before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Former Ravens player Ed Reid during Super Bowl LIII between New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Marshawn Lynch of the Oakland Raiders arrives prior to Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Conor Jack McGregor Jr. (L) and Conor McGregor attend the Super Bowl LIII Pregame at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Jon Bon Jovi looks on during pregame at Super Bowl LIII between Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady (12) walks across the field before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Lynne Stadky)
AP Photo/Lynne Stadky
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Head Coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams speaks to Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots greets Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams prior to Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
A general, overall, view of Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
AP Photo/Morry Gash
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: The Los Angeles Rams take the field prior to Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady (12) and Brian Hoyer (2) enter the field, before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
The Los Angeles Rams huddle on the field before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Chloe x Halle perform before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Gladys Knight, izquierda, interpreta el himno nacional antes del Super Bowl 53 de la NFL entre los Rams de Los Angeles y los Patriots de Nueva Inglaterra el domingo 3 de febrero de 2019 en Atlanta.
(Foto AP/Jeff Roberson)
Foto AP/Jeff Roberson
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Gladys Knight performs the National Anthem prior to Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images
Gladys Knight sings the national anthem before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Gladys Knight sings the national anthem before the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
AP Photo/Morry Gash
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Jared Goff #16 and Todd Gurley II #30 of the Los Angeles Rams look on during the singing of the National Anthem during Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: The New England Patriots look on during the singing of the National Anthem during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: U.S. Representative John Lewis and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young arrive prior to Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots meet at mid field for the coin toss prior to Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: A general view during Super Bowl LIII between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams’ Cory Littleton, right, intercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots’ Chris Hogan, left, during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Cory Littleton #58 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his interception in the first quarter of the Super Bowl LIII against the New England Patriots at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff (16) throws the ball under pressure from New England Patriots’ Danny Shelton (71) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Marcus Peters #22 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Chris Hogan (15) is defended by Los Angeles Rams’ Marcus Peters (22) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
New England Patriots’ Stephen Gostkowski (3) attempts a field goal against Los Angeles Rams during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. Gostkowski missed the field goal.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
AP Photo/Morry Gash
Los Angeles Rams’ Aqib Talib, left, chases New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald (99) hits New England Patriots’ Tom Brady (12) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff (16) hands the ball off to Los Angeles Rams’ C.J. Anderson (35) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
AP Photo/Morry Gash
Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley II watches from the bench during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams tries to make a catch against the New England Patriots in the first half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Kyle Van Noy (53) sacks Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff (16) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Kyle Van Noy #53 congratulates Stephen Gostkowski #3 of the New England Patriots after his second quarter field goal against the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots sacks Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, left, watches from the sideline during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Adam Levine of Maroon 5 performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
AP Photo/Chuck Burton
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Adam Levine and Maroon 5 perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Adam Levine of Maroon 5 performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
Adam Levine of Maroon 5, left, performs as Travis Scott is carried by the crowd during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Big Boi performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New England Patriots Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Big Boi, Adam Levine of Maroon 5, and Sleepy Brown perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Travis Scott performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LIII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff (16) hands the ball off to Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley II during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung (23) is attended on the field after he injured his right arm, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
New England Patriots’ Patrick Chung (23) leaves the game after he injured his right arm, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams is pressured by Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley II (30) is tackled by New England Patriots’ Jason McCourty, left, and Deatrich Wise Jr., right, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Los Angeles Rams’ Johnny Hekker (6) makes a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams’ Marcus Peters (22) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots’ Chris Hogan (15) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
New England Patriots’ Jonathan Jones, left, tackles Los Angeles Rams’ Robert Woods after he caught a pass during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Brandin Cooks #12 of the Los Angeles Rams drops a pass in the endzone as he is defended by Jason McCourty #30 of the New England Patriots in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Jason McCourty (30) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Los Angeles Rams’ Brandin Cooks (12) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
New England Patriots’ Dont’a Hightower (54) celebrates a sack on Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Los Angeles Rams’ Greg Zuerlein (4) watches as he scores a field goal against the New England Patriots during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: C.J. Anderson #35 of the Los Angeles Rams runs the ball against Dont’a Hightower #54 of the New England Patriots in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Kyle Van Noy (53) sacks Los Angeles Rams’ Jared Goff (16) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots makes a catch against Samson Ebukam #50 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady (12) throws the ball as Los Angeles Rams’ Ndamukong Suh (93) rushes during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Morry Gash)
AP Photo/Morry Gash
New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams’ Samson Ebukam (50) after catching a pass during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
New England Patriots’ Sony Michel (26) dives over the goal line for a touchdown in front of Los Angeles Rams’ Cory Littleton (58) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
New England Patriots’ Sony Michel (26) celebrates his touchdown with James Develin, center, during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
AP Photo/David J. Phillip
New England Patriots’ David Andrews (60) picks up Tom Brady (12) after the Patriots scored a touchdown during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Mark Barron #26 of the Los Angeles Rams attempts to pass against New England Patriots in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Brandin Cooks #12 of the Los Angeles Rams misses a pass attempt against Duron Harmon #21 of the New England Patriots during the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
New England Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore, right, intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams’ Brandin Cooks (12) during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta.
(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
AP Photo/Chuck Burton
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots makes an interception in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: J.C. Jackson #27 of the New England Patriots celebrates in the second half during Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the New England Patriots in the second half during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gets doused after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3.
(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks off the field after losing to the New England Patriots during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3.
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
AP Photo/Gregory Payan
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after his 13-3 win against Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: A general view as the the New England Patriots celebrate their 13 to 3 win over the the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrates his teams 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams with the Vince Lombardi Trophyduring Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
New England Patriots Julian Edelman #11 is seen with the Lombardi trophy after winning MVP against the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3.
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
AP Photo/Gregory Payan
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is seen with his granddaughter after defeating the Los Angeles Rams during NFL Super Bowl 53, Sunday, February 3, 2019 in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3.
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
AP Photo/Gregory Payan
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady holds his daughter, Vivian, after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3.
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
New England Patriots’ Tom Brady holds his daughter, Vivian, after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3.
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Matthew Slater #18 of the New England Patriots celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his teams 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: New England Patriots cheerleaders celebrate their 13-3 win over Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: James Develin #46 of the New England Patriots celebrates with his son after the Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Nate Ebner #43 of the New England Patriots celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his teams 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates after his teams 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: The New England Patriots celebrate their 13-3 win in Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 03, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
ATLANTA (AP) — For most of the season, the New England Patriots have been creatures of habit on defense, sticking to their principles and making just enough plays to win.
They were much more than that Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Patriots battered and bewildered quarterback Jared Goff and the Rams, stifling the NFL’s second-ranked scoring en route to a 13-3 Super Bowl victory.
New England quarterback Tom Brady said the Patriots’ defense set the tone for a win that gave sports fans in New England another set of bragging rights over rival rooters in LA. Last October, the Boston Red Sox beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
“They played unbelievable,” Brady said of the Patriots’ defense. “Challenged all these plays. They held them.”
The Rams’ three points equaled the fewest scored in a Super Bowl.
When Goff began to find his groove late in the fourth quarter and the Rams trailing 10-3, Los Angeles drove inside New England’s 30 for just the second time in the game.
The momentum proved to be short-lived.
Enter safety Duron Harmon.
Playing in place of Patrick Chung after he suffered an arm injury in third quarter, Harmon combined with cornerback Stephon Gilmore to break up what would have been a touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks. Then, on the next play, Harmon pressured Goff on a blitz and forced him into a throw into coverage that was intercepted by Gilmore .
“It was clutch,” Gilmore said of his interception. “I knew he was going to force it up there. Our defensive line put a lot of pressure on him and he chucked it up there and I was able to make a play.”
New England’s offense took it from there, sealing the victory with a 9-play, 72-yard drive that ate up 3:05 and ended with a 41-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski.
The Patriots’ defense gave Goff different looks all night and many of them seemed to confuse the 24-year-old quarterback. They routinely sent an extra deep safety on third-and-short situations and disguised their blitzes up the middle. The latter benefited linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who dropped Goff for a pair of sacks to stunt drives.
New England finished with four sacks for the game.
“We’ve got a special group,” Hightower said. “We were able to do a lot of different stuff and they weren’t able to pick it up. We were able to get a lot of one-on-one rushes all game and able to get up on the quarterback.”
It added up to an abysmal performance by Los Angeles on third-down situations. The Rams were 0 for 6 on third down in the first half and 3 of 13 for game. New England also held Los Angeles to just 260 total yards.
None of the Rams’ running backs were able to get much traction, either.
Los Angeles, which entered the game averaging 175 rushing yards per game during the playoffs with four touchdowns, mustered just 3.4 yards per rush on third down. All-Pro running back Todd Gurley finished with 10 rushes for 35 yards. C.J. Anderson, who had 167 yards and two touchdowns through two playoff games, had seven carries for 22 yards.
Cornerback Jason McCourty, who joined brother Devin McCourty after being traded to New England this offseason, also had some pivotal pass breakups.
“It’s the best feeling ever,” Devin McCourty said of watching his brother. “He’s done everything right this year. He’s been an inspiration to every guy.”
New England bailed Goff out early in the fourth quarter when Gilmore was called for defensive holding on Goff’s third-and-11 pass attempt, giving the Rams a fresh set of downs.
But the Patriots recovered, using a sack by Jonathan Jones, a holding penalty against the Rams and tackling Gurley for a loss to force a punt.
Linebacker Kyle Van Noy said the team also got energy from Chung, who returned to the sideline in the fourth quarter wearing a sling.
“I don’t know what kind of injury he had, but it didn’t look good,” Van Noy said. “Anytime you have a captain go down like that you feel for him, you want to step up for him.”
It was the second straight impressive performance by the Pats’ defense.
In the AFC championship game the Patriots held the Kansas City Chiefs, the NFL’s top-scoring offense during the regular season, scoreless in the first half. They held the Rams, which averaged 32.9 points per game during the regular season and 28 points in the playoffs, to just three points.
“We ain’t stars over here,” Van Noy said. “We just come to work and keep grinding and grinding and grinding. It shows. Look at the scoreboard again. We’re champs, baby.”
Rob Woodfork is WTOP's Senior Sports Content Producer, which includes duties as producer and host of the DC Sports Huddle, nightside sports anchor and sports columnist on WTOP.com.