Tag: Seahawks

By: Carson Wilsey

Super Bowl XLIX, February 1, 2015, is well-known for its miraculous ending in the final seconds of play. With only 26 seconds remaining, the Seattle Seahawks were behind 28–24 and on the verge of losing. The Seahawks were positioned on the New England Patriots,1-yard line and it appeared as though they would win the game with a last-minute touchdown. With so much at risk, the play calling became crucial needing close examination and discussion.

Unexpectedly, Darrell Bevell, the offensive coordinator for Seattle, decided to call a pass play rather than running the ball. Considering how effectively running back Marshawn Lynch performs in situations involving short yardage, the selection was controversial. On the play, Malcolm Butler, the rookie cornerback for the Patriots who was about to make a name for himself, was covering wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back to attempt a pass to Lockette. Butler, who had a terrific read on the play, jumped the route and made a huge interception to put the Patriots ahead for good. This play, which significantly changed the game’s outcome and gained the Patriots’ a 28-24 victory, was a turning point in both Super Bowl history and the game itself.

Considering Lynch’s strong presence on the field, many have questioned the decision to pass rather than run on the closing play of Super Bowl XLIX. In addition to demonstrating Butler’s defensive greatness, the interception highlighted the intense nature of the game and how any play or decision may result in history. The game’s storyline may be impacted by a single moment in sports, as seen by this play, which makes Super Bowl XLIX one of the most famous and controversial Super Bowls in NFL history.