With the exception of last year, the last few Super Bowl games have been won in the closing moments, with big plays sealing the victory for the eventual champions. Seattle, on the verge of securing their second Super Bowl victory in row, had just had two big plays from Marshawn Lynch and Jermaine Kearse, Kearse providing us with an amazing display of concentration to haul in a deflected pass while on his back to get the Seahawks to the 5 yard line with a little over a minute remaining. A run by Marshawn Lynch, with the clock ticking down, moved Seattle close to the 1 yard line, and everyone expected to see Beast Mode in full effect on the next play, punching in the touchdown and winning the game for Seattle.
But the football Gods had other plans in store, and a bolt of lighting came down painted in red, white and blue.
An absolutely shocking pass play was called by Seattle, and Cris Collinsworth, Al Michaels and the 12th man all stood stunned, mouth agape, as Malcolm Butler charged in front of Ricardo Lockette to intercept the pass and seal the win for the Patriots.
Patriots fans, many of whom were probably ready to cry once the expected call for Beast Mode was made, jumped for joy once Butler hit the ground with the ball safely intact, while non-Patriots fans in the stadium, at home, in every bar in America and across social media started blasting the play call selection of the Seahawks offensive coordinator and/or Pete Carroll.
With the team down 28-24, Russell Wilson moved his team down the field, armed with time-outs and momentum after Lynch caught a pass play on the left sideline for over 20 yards. It was Green Bay all over again, or so everyone thought, and to the dismay of every non-Pats fans watching the game, it all ended on a play that will haunt Seahawks fans for a long time.
But the Patriots ended up winning the Super Bowl, 28-24, with Tom Brady throwing for 328 yards, four touchdowns and 2 interceptions, winning another Super Bowl MVP award. Julian Edleman added 9 catches for 109 yards and 1 TD. For the Seahawks, Russell Wilson threw for 247 yards, 2 TDs and 1 interception, Marshawn Lynch rushed for 102 yards and 1 TD and Chris “Hardball” Mathews came out of no where (being called by the Seahawks to come and try out after working at a Foot Locker) to grab 4 passes for 109 yards and 1 TD.
Pete Carroll will be facing the music and loud, angry criticism from sports fans across every sports radio station in the country, while Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the only QB-coach combo to play in six Super Bowls together, will be kissing the Vince Lombardi trophy for the next few months.
Another nail biting, down to the wire Super Bowl that was decided in the last few moments. And while most fans probably thought the best surprises were Chris Matthews’ performance and the appearance of Miss Elliott during the halftime show, the best/most disappointing surprise (depending on your allegiance) came on the final play call in the Seahawks season.
Final score, Patriots 28, Seahawks 24.
