Pats deflate Seahawks

Last-minute miracles define a close, Sunday-night matchup

In a game full of its share of controversy, hype and plenty of big plays, The New England Patriots came out victorious over the reigning Super Bowl Champions Seattle Seahawks in what turned out to be an instant classic, Super Bowl XLIX, 28-24.

The matchup between the Patriots high-octane offense and Seattle’s historic defense was one that was heavily anticipated.

Despite a slow offensive start for both teams, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady used a series of short and quick passes on the team’s first drive of the second quarter, eventually resulting in a touchdown to wide receiver Brandon LaFell to take a 7-0 lead.

Seattle responded midway through the second quarter as Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson launched a 44-yard strike to wide receiver Chris Matthews, his first career reception. Deep in New England territory, running back Marshawn Lynch pounded away at the Patriots defense. From three yards out, Lynch put the Seahawks on the board, tying the game at seven.

The game, however, was not tied for long. On the Patriots second scoring drive, Brady found tight end Rob Gronkowski a for a 22-yard touchdown.

Down, 14-7 with less than a minute in the first half, Wilson drove the Seahawks down the field inside the Patriots 10-yard line with a mere six seconds left in the half.

Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll elected to keep the offense out on the field instead of kicking the 28-yard field goal. The gamble paid off after Wilson hit Matthews for the game-tying touchdown to end the half.

The second half began and Wilson’s offense took the field again. After a 15-yard carry by Lynch, Wilson connected with Matthews again, this time for 45 yards over the middle. However, the drive only resulted in a field goal.

During New England’s very next drive, Seattle forced another turnover after picking off Brady for the second time. The Seahawks capitalized on Brady’s interception with Wilson leading his team down the field and connecting with wide receiver Doug Baldwin for another touchdown, giving the Seahawks the 24-14 lead.

Down 10, with only one quarter left, momentum had completely shifted and the Seahawks were in the driver’s seat. However, a nine-play touchdown drive led by Brady cut the lead to three.

Knowing that time was not on their side, the Patriots needed a defensive stand, and that is exactly what they got. New England forced a punt, giving Brady a chance to reclaim the lead.

Starting at their own 48-yard line, Brady mustered up another lengthy drive that resulted in a three-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Julian Edelman, giving the Patriots the 28-24 lead with two minutes left.

Seattle had one last chance. The Seahawks made their way to midfield when Wilson and wide receiver Jermaine Kearse connected for a play that gives the “Immaculate Reception” a run for its money. Kearse and Patriots undrafted rookie cornerback Malcom Butler both contended for a pass thrown by Wilson. It was deflected and appeared to be incomplete, but bounced off of Kearse’s leg and arm before he was eventually able to catch it.

Flashbacks of Super Bowl XLII with David Tyree pinning the football to his helmet surely flew through the minds of Patriot players and fans alike. Once again the Patriots would be doomed by a miraculous play.

Seattle had the ball on the 1-yard line with under a minute left and the game was all but wrapped up for the Seahawks second title in as many years. All they had to do was hand the ball off to their All-Pro running back, Lynch.

Instead, Carroll defied all odds and called a passing play on second down. Unfortunately for Carroll, Wilson and the rest of the Seahawks, Butler saw the play coming, picking off Wilson and sealing the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl title with Brady and Bill Belichick at the helm in New England.

HAYWOOD is the asst. sports editor.