The New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in one of the best Super Bowls in recent history. The game had many memorable moments, but a turnover at the end of the game will surely dominate headlines this week.
The Patriots overcame a 10-point deficit to take the lead with just over two minutes remaining in the game. The Seahawks marched down the field in an attempt to win the game right at the end, and their victory looked all but assured after Jermaine Kearse made a circus catch that set Seattle up with a first and goal.
The Seahawks gave the ball to Marshawn Lynch on first down, and he ran it down to the one-yard line. The Patriots chose not to take a timeout after the play, causing many to question why coach Bill Belichick opted against using his timeouts in order to preserve time in the event of a Seattle score.
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New England's clock management turned out to be a moot point, however, after Seattle's very questionable second down play call.
The Seahawks are known for their dominant running attack. They nearly led the league in rushing attempts this season, and they threw the fewest passes in the NFL. When Seattle needs yards, they get them on the ground.
Everyone naturally assumed that Marshawn Lynch would get the ball on second down and attempt to Beast Mode his way into the end zone. Instead, Pete Carroll chose to throw, and Russell Wilson threw a back-breaking interception that effectively ended the game.
The outcry from the announcers, media, and fans was immediate and forceful, and nearly everyone was incredulous that Seattle would choose not to give the ball to their best player. Coach Pete Carroll said after the game that he did not want to run against New England's goal line personnel, but with the season and a championship on the line, great teams do not back away from their bread and butter. Carroll did, and it cost his team dearly.
They should have game me the ball fam — Marshawn Lynch (@BigNeechi) February 2, 2015
The decision will surely go down as one of the most second-guessed play calls in league history, and regardless of how successful the Patriots had been defensively prior to the play, there is simply no way that Seattle can forgo the opportunity to hand the ball to their bruising tailback.
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