Playing with the Lead: Lessons from the Greatest Comeback in Super Bowl History

By Rob Sharpe, The Domino Coach

Super Bowl Champion - Tom Brady

The most exciting football game I’ve ever seen was also, strangely, one of the most boring. It was Super Bowl 51, February 5, 2017. What began as a blowout turned into the most electrifying, unforgetta

ble comeback in NFL history.

This wasn't just a football game. It was a masterclass in momentum, preparation, and perseverance. And if we pay attention, it offers powerful insight into how we can approach life, relationships, business and faith.

A Game for the Ages

The New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady, were set to face off against the Atlanta Falcons. It was a historic showdown. The Falcons were chasing their first Super Bowl win, while the Patriots were looking to cement their legacy.

By the third quarter, Atlanta had a commanding 28–3 lead. The game was essentially over. Fans tuned out. Broadcasters were already preparing their “Falcons are champions” narratives. Atlanta’s owner was at field level. The celebration had started early.

But then something unthinkable happened. The Patriots came alive. Slowly, methodically, like only a championship team could. By the time regulation ended, the game was tied 28–28. The Patriots won the coin toss in overtime and marched down the field to seal the most improbable victory in Super Bowl history.

They scored 31 unanswered points in just over a quarter of football. It was, and still is, widely regarded as the greatest Super Bowl of all time.

The Anomaly That Speaks Volumes

As incredible as that comeback was, it was completely off-brand for the Patriots. This was not how they normally won games.

Under coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots were known for their system: score early, control the game, play with the lead. Coming from behind? That wasn’t their usual formula.

Here’s the data:

• 40% of Patriots’ games during the Belichick-Brady era started with them scoring on the opening drive (compared to a 31% league average).

• Only 9% of their wins came from behind or on the last play of the game (league average is 21%).

In other words, the Patriots didn’t just “win games”—they controlled them from the very beginning. That game in 2017? As epic as it was, it was an exception. The rule was this: Play with the lead.

Why Playing with the Lead Matters

In sports and in life momentum matters. And momentum is often set at the beginning. Coach Belichick famously said, “You cannot win until you keep from losing.” That means eliminating unforced errors and penalties, preparing thoroughly, and being ready before the whistle blows.

The Patriots focused heavily on two areas in preparation:

1. The Opening Drive – A pre-planned, scripted set of plays meant to seize control early.

2. The Two-Minute Drill – A high-pressure sequence designed to win when the clock is working against you.

   
   

What About You? Are You Playing from Behind?

Here’s the big question: Are you constantly playing catch-up in your life? Do you feel like you’re always late to the game, reacting instead of leading—whether it’s in your relationships, your spiritual life, your career, or your health? You were never meant to live your life on your heels. You were created to lead your life—starting from the front, not the back.

Statistics even support this in other sports:

• In the NHL, teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-seven series win the series 71% of the time.

• If they win Game 1 at home? That number jumps to 78.4%.

Winning early doesn’t guarantee victory. But it dramatically increases your odds.

Playing with the Lead in Life

You can prepare for your own “opening drive” in life the same way great teams do.

Here’s how:

• Start your day intentionally. Don’t just wake up—rise with purpose. Create a morning routine that primes you spiritually, mentally, and physically.

• Script your day. Like a coach scripts the first 10 plays, know what your priorities are before distractions start shouting.

• Eliminate unforced errors. Avoid the “turnovers” of procrastination, overcommitment, and poor planning.

• Execute consistently. Championship teams don’t just make big plays, they make routine plays well.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start with a plan. And then grind it out.

Let’s Make This Your Comeback Season

If you’ve been playing from behind in life, that’s okay. Super Bowl 51 proves one thing: no game is over until it’s over. But what if you didn’t need a miracle comeback? What if you could build momentum now, get your life aligned, and play with the lead on purpose? That’s what I help people do through Domino Coaching—creating a life strategy that stacks small wins, builds momentum, and puts you in the driver’s seat.

Call to Action: Let’s Script Your Opening Drive

If you're ready to play with the lead in life—spiritually, personally, professionally—I'd love to help you map your game plan.Send me a message or drop the word "LEAD" in the comments, and let’s schedule a free strategy call.You were meant to lead. Let’s kick off your comeback season.

Let’s go.

Rob Sharpe 

The Domino Coach

www.dominocoach.com