Super Bowl 49: Seahawks’ Meltdown Gives Patriots Ultimate Victory
In a Super Bowl that came down to the final minute, the New England Patriots gasped a sigh of relief and tasted the satisfaction of ultimate victory. The Seattle Seahawks played an incredible game but threw it away when it mattered most.
The Seahawks had the football with less than a minute to go, staring the end zone right in the face. Back to back Super Bowl championships was just a Marshawn Lynch run away. To the surprise of everyone, Russell Wilson dropped back and threw to the end zone. Malcolm Butler, who read the pick play perfectly intercepted the pass and sealed the game for the Patriots.
It was a moment of pure befuddlement. How could the Seahawks go to that play? The play call was flawed, there was not enough room to make the play, and the Patriots were obviously waiting for it. The execution was even worse.
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jermaine Kearse(15) makes a catch defended by New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) and
Duron Harmon(30) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks needed a David Tyree like reception from Jermaine Kearse, just to get in that position. Surely it was a great job to catch the much bobbled football, while laying on his backside; though you could not call that anything other than a fortuitous bounce.
It seemed like more luck from a team that got here from an insane onside kick and a miraculous two point conversion; surely the Seahawks were the team of destiny, right?
Wrong! The Seahawks came up short when it mattered most. The Patriots then got the ball backed up so close to their own end zone, that Tom Brady could not take the standard knee. Michael Bennett then was penalized for encroachment. An unbelievable mistake that destroyed the Seahawks slim slice of hope. This took a safety out of play.
Then things took an embarrassing turn, a more embarrassing turn that is. The Seahawks and Patriots got into a bit of a mini-brawl. The Seahawks’ Bruce Irvin was flagged and ejected as the instigator. It was a poor show of sportsmanship and an embarrassing moment for the game of football.
The Seahawks lost the Super Bowl. Give every bit of credit to the Patriots, they put up enough points to win the game. Though the Seahawks had control of the game. It is as if they were shooting pool and they scratched on the 8 ball. Their mistake gave their opponents the game. They could have, they should have, but they did not win that football game.
The Seahawks lost a double digit lead. They then put themselves in position to win back to back Super Bowls. Instead they gave the football, and their dreams away. The Patriots won their fourth Super Bowl and are now champions of the world until the start of next season.