How did 28-3 even happen?

Not really a rule question but just hoping someone can explain this to me.

As a Steelers fan this year I’ve seen the team get behind by 20+ points, and the opponent just hangs on to the ball the rest of the game and eats up the clock, not even giving them a chance to get the ball back. How did the Patriots prevent the Falcons from doing this with only a quarter left?

Edit: Question answered thanks for all your help guys!