What to retain from Super Bowl XLIX
The stage for the 49th Super Bowl on Feb. 1 would be Glendale, Arizona. The sold-out home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals was surely treated to one of the most exciting Super Bowl championships in recent memory. The AFC’s New England Patriots secured their fourth title in the Super Bowl-era with a 28-24 victory over the title-defending Seattle Seahawks.
Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady threw four passing touchdowns, including a clutch – and eventual game winning – touchdown pass to receiver Julian Edelman. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Edelman catch capped off a 64-yard drive in which Brady looked invincible. Three other New England receivers caught touchdown passes from Brady, including superstar Rob Gronkowski, all en route to Brady’s third Super Bowl MVP award.
Seattle QB Russell Wilson nearly completed a thrilling last second miracle, but was intercepted at the opposing one-yard line by Patriots’ rookie defensive back Malcolm Butler to all but end the game.
The Seahawks could not capitalize on two Brady interceptions, and the four-time champion Brady rallied his offence to salvage the win. A thrilling fourth quarter display by New England, to comeback from a 10-point deficit, propelled them to their first Super Bowl title since 2004.
Controversial media-shy running back Marshawn Lynch did his talking on the field for the Seahawks, but his brilliant 102-yard rushing performance was not enough to provide a winning play, as Seattle head coach Pete Carroll would call for a passing play with 20 seconds remaining in the game. The Seahawks were unable to defend their Super Bowl title, a feat that has not been accomplished since New England repeated during the 2003 and 2004 NFL seasons.
What you need to know about Super Bowl XLIX:
Seattle wide receiver Chris Matthews made the first four catches of his career, leading Seattle with 109-yards and a touchdown. Matthews was signed to the Seahawks practice squad this season. He last appeared in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, where he won the CFL Rookie of the Year in 2012.
With Brady’s four touchdown passes, the Patriots’ QB broke hall of famer Joe Montana’s record of 12 for most all time in Super Bowl touchdown passes with 13. Brady also set a Super Bowl record with 37 pass completions against the Seahawks.
There were two Canadian players in the game, both of which were on the losing end of the field. Seattle’s punter Jon Ryan, along with tight end Luke Willson represented the Great White North as runner-ups. Both players were a part of Seattle’s championship last season.
Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch was fined on multiple occasions in recent weeks for consistently responding to media questions with the now infamous, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined” line. The financial penalties were a result of NFL contracts requiring media responsiveness leading up to and following games. After the Super Bowl loss, Lynch more than rebounded when asked if he was mad that he didn’t get the ball in the dying seconds, replying with, “No. We play football. Football is a team sport.”
Unexpected hero Malcolm Butler made the first interception of his career on Feb. 1. The rookie saved the game for New England, who looked to be defeated as Wilson’s attempted throw found his hands instead of the intended Ricardo Lockette, which would have been a game-winning score.
In what has been termed “Deflate Gate”, the Patriots are currently under private investigation for intentionally deflating footballs in the AFC Championship game held two weeks prior to the Super Bowl. New England is said to have gained an unfair advantage through football deflation, making the ball easier to catch and secure. The accusations were made following their 45-7 win against the Indianapolis Colts, which earned them their Super Bowl appearance. Results of “Deflate Gate” are due in the coming weeks.
NBC reports that the one-minute rate of advertisement for the Super Bowl was $9 million US.