Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones made a huge play to rip the ball from the hands of New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount.
The Atlanta Falcons got to the Super Bowl on the strength of their offense but their defense has been making plays all season long. With a defense that has given significant time to plenty of young players, Deion Jones has been stepping up to make the plays all year.
As the New England Patriots were driving down the field to open the scoring in Super Bowl 51, running back LeGarrette Blount took the ball. As Blount was coming down to the ground, Jones kept ripping at the ball and was able to pry it loose.
Blount on the carry.
— NFL (@NFL) February 6, 2017
Blount with the FUMBLE.
This @AtlantaFalcons D came to play! #SB51 https://t.co/EbZRVrlf2E
The ball would hit the ground and their was a scramble between both teams for the football. The Falcons would come up with it. A flag was on the Patriots for holding, but Atlanta promptly declined it.
Atlanta would make the most of the fumble. Matt Ryan would hit Julio Jones with two deep passes to put them in scoring range. Devonta Freeman would use his legs and Atlanta would get on the board first in Super Bowl 51.
This drive started because they made a play on defense. Both defenses came out full of energy early, but Jones and the Falcons had just a little bit more. The emerging linebacker in the NFL made his presence known earlier to those who hadn’t known it yet.