Though it appeared on multiple occasions that the Patriots had lost their highly anticipated game against the hitherto-undefeated New Orleans Saints, Tom Brady and the Patriots offense finally delivered in clutch-time to pull out a last-gasp win, 30-27. Kenbrell Thompkins caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Brady in the back-corner of the end zone to secure the victory, sending the Patriots to 5-1 (Patriots highlights below). After a tough loss last week against the Bengals, it appeared New England was headed for their second straight defeat, when Brady and his much-maligned receiving corps put together an impressive drive downfield, and the score to Thompkins immediately becomes the best of the Patriots highlights this season.

The game began well for New England, as several first half drives resulted in success for the Patriots. On top of combining decent success on offense, the Patriots defense continued its resurgence, shutting down vaunted Saints tight end Jimmy Graham.

Scoring began with a Steven Gostkowski 35-yard field goal after a decent drive from the Patriots offense, though the Saints answered quickly, finding the end zone through a 3-yard Drew Brees touchdown pass.

Eventually, the Patriots built a 17-7 lead following two drives that displayed a healthy Stevan Ridley running hard, and scoring twice.

Following the half, New Orleans moved back into contention on the strength of their running game, and the ever-increasing total of injuries that the Patriots have been coping with on their defense. Cornerback Aqib Talib went down with a hamstring injury, adding to the losses of Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly.

Late in the fourth quarter, on a 3rd and long, the Saints connected on a 34-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Stills, overcoming double coverage from the Patriots secondary.

After two more possessions that resulted in (first) a four-and-out and (second) a Patriots interception, it seemed that New England had used up their chances to mount a comeback. Yet impressive defense and poor clock management from the Saints meant that Brady and the offense were given one more chance to put together a drive with just over a minute to go.

Despite coming into the final drive having been inconsistent all day, Brady shook it off and went 5-7 on the pivotal series in the game.

And with five seconds to go, he found Thompkins to put New England ahead for good, 30-27 (following the extra point).

A fitting quote from Bill Belichick:

 

Patriots Highlights From Over the Course of Their 30-27 Win Over the Saints:

 

Julian Edelman’s ill-fated attempt at recreating the “Music City Miracle” shortly before the Saints took a 7-3 lead in the 1st half

GIF via Deadspin

 

Stevan Ridley put the Patriots in front 10-7 with a one-yard touchdown after a successful drive from Brady and the offense

 

Stevan Ridley’s second touchdown of the day gave the Patriots a 17-7 lead in the 2nd quarter

 

Tom Brady showing off his moves:

 

Tom Brady left hanging by Julian Edelman in the 1st half

GIF via Deadspin

 

A missed opportunity for the Saints, as they started the second half with only a field goal instead of a touchdown

 

The Saints tied the score at 17-17 in the third quarter

 

Danny Amendola got a concussion on this hit during the third quarter. The Patriots took the lead on a Gostkowski field goal from 54 yards (20-17 Patriots)

 

A great defensive series for the Patriots began in the 4th quarter, first with a Chandler Jones sack…

 

…and Kyle Arrington made an interception

 

A crunching hit from Steve Gregory in the 4th quarter, though the Saints continued to find their way on offense

 

Later in the drive after Gregory’s hit, a Kenny Stills touchdown gives the Saints a 24-23 lead late in the 4th quarter

GIF via BuzzFeed

 

And finally, after nearly throwing away their (multiple) chances at a comeback, Brady and the offense got it right

 

From another angle:

 

At first, Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan reacted with depressed disbelief

 

Then he went straight to his anguish-face after Thompkins’ touchdown gave New England the lead, and the win

 

And Brady was fired-up on the sidelines as the Patriots moved to 5-1

 

 

Image via Dashburst

You can read more stories on Boston startups, technology and innovation at https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/inno