Atlanta

Falcons return to Atlanta after devastating Super Bowl loss

By Hope Jensen, WSBTV.com

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Bosher #5 react after losing to the New England Patriots 34-28 during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

By Hope Jensen, WSBTV.com

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons returned home Monday afternoon after a heartbreaking, last-minute loss in Houston Sunday night.

The Falcons, who led for most of the game, lost in overtime to the New England Patriots.

It was the most historic collapse in Super Bowl history. The Falcons blew a 25-point lead in the second half and ended up losing 34-28.

Coach Dan Quinn said after the game that the team "ran out of gas."

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“I don’t know what the time of possession was, I didn’t look at that. But I can you how hard these guys battled for it. We knew it was going to come down to the end for sure, and just at the end for them to have the scores back-to-back, this was the difference for sure,” Quinn said.

Quarterback Matt Ryan, who won the league MVP on Saturday night, told reporters "it's hard to find words tonight."

“There’s nothing you can really say. That’s a tough loss. Obviously very disappointed, very close to getting done what we wanted to get done,” Ryan said. “(We) just made some mistakes in situations that put us behind the chains and we were not able to overcome that. So, that part was disappointing.”

Fans gathered, even in the rain, to welcome the Falcons home Monday. The team traveled from the airport to their facility in Flowery Branch.

WELCOME HOME: The Atlanta Falcons arrive in Atlanta after a he...

WELCOME HOME: The Atlanta Falcons arrive in Atlanta after a heartbreaking Super Bowl loss. http://2wsb.tv/RiseUpAtlanta

Posted by WSB-TV on Monday, February 6, 2017

On Monday, Falcons players thanked the fans and the city for their support.

View this post on Instagram

It's hard to put into words what being so close to the top and falling short feels like. The work my brothers and I put in to every phase of this season was amazing. We quietly sharpened our axe all year in preparation to explode on whoever was next. It didn't matter who, where or when. All that mattered was playing for each other. That's what we did. We formed a bond and a brotherhood that will never be broken or forgotten. This game is hard. Week after week, month after month. Most people just see what happens on Sundays, but the grind is real. I love this team and to have had the opportunity to take the field along side each and every one of my brothers has been an honor this year. We came up short, and while it's a terribly tough pill to swallow, we will be back. That's what falcons do. We rise, not just in the midst of success, but in the face of failure and adversity. Thank you to all the families behind my teammates, coaches, and support staff. Without you, we can't do what we do. To the fans and the city of Atlanta, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is a privilege to represent you. Rise Up and God bless. -Josh

A post shared by Josh Harris (@jharris_47) on

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