The Falcons often “declared’’ their intentions, as Bill Belichick put it, based on how they aligned their defensive backs.

On this play, with cornerback Robert Alford lined up across from fullback James Develin, Tom Brady knew the Falcons were in zone coverage.

A major part of the Falcons’ game plan was dropping a linebacker into the middle of the field to take away the crossing routes to Julian Edelman and other receivers.

LEFT: Whenever Edelman tried to go over the middle, he had a linebacker right in his face.

RIGHT: But in the second half, Brady started attacking the sidelines, like on this beautiful 14-yard pass to Danny Amendola in overtime.

LEFT: And the sideline dig routes to Chris Hogan (pictured here) and Malcolm Mitchell became a major part of the offense, too.

Edelman had an inconsistent day catching the ball, but he was tremendous in run blocking, here helping spring LeGarrette Blount for 9 yards.

On James White’s game-tying touchdown, Edelman cracked the linebacker to give White enough space to get across the goal line.

And on White’s game-winning touchdown, Edelman again laid a huge crack block to give White just enough running room.

White also did a great job of getting the ball across the goal line after taking initial contact at the 2-yard line.

Brady never saw Robert Alford lurking behind the linebacker, and Alford showed great instincts and anticipation to jump the slant route to Amendola and return it for a touchdown.

Vic Beasley was this close to intercepting Brady’s pass to Martellus Bennett in overtime.