10 other plays that doomed the Seahawks

SEATTLE — The Seahawks called a pass play, Patriots rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler jumped the route, and an interception ensured that Seattle’s hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champions fell one yard short.

By now you’ve seen the replay a thousand times, heard the play call debated ad nauseam, and asked over and over again, “Why didn’t they give it to Marshawn Lynch? Whhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?”

But when a championship comes down to literally one yard, a lot had to happen besides that final Seahawks pass for the Patriots to emerge from Super Bowl XLIX as 28-24 victors. Great plays, mistakes, injuries, shrewd coaching decisions, penalties and no-calls all played a role in the game getting to the 1-yard line with seconds remaining.

While Butler’s interception was the biggest and most memorable play that led to the New England victory, it wasn’t the only one. So let’s go back and look at 10 plays from the second half, other than the interception, that contributed to the Seahawks falling short.

Third quarter

11:51 remaining, third-and-1 from the New England 8

Lynch runs for no gain.

Rushing Lynch on third-and-short is, by itself, an easy decision, but what was significant is that it was a third straight run just after Russell Wilson had hit Chris Matthews for a 45-yard gain.

After Lynch was stuffed and Seattle settled for a field goal, a mic’d up Wilson would tell offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to “have confidence in me down there.”

8:15 remaining, third-and-9 from the New England 32

Tom Brady’s pass intended for Rob Gronkowski is intercepted by Bobby Wagner.

This turnover set up a touchdown that put the Seahawks up 10 points, but it was also the play on which defensive end Cliff Avril suffered a concussion, the second key injury on an interception along with Jeremy Lane’s broken arm.

Both of these players would be missed in a big way down the stretch as the Patriots overcame a 10-point deficit.

1:12 remaining, third-and-2 from the New England 47

Wilson’s deep pass down the left sideline is dropped by Jermaine Kearse.

The throw was contested by Butler, but it was still a catch Kearse should make. And if he did haul in that long pass, momentum stays with the Seahawks, who likely get at least a field goal out of the drive to extend their 10-point lead. Instead, Seattle punts.

Fourth quarter

10:58 remaining, third-and-14, from the New England 28

Brady climbs the pocket and hits Julian Edelman over the middle for a 21-yard gain.

In retrospect, this might have been the play of the game, other than THE play of the game. Up to this point, Seattle’s defense had been dominant in the second half, and another punt might have done New England in, but instead this was the play that jumpstarted the comeback.

8:46 remaining, third-and-8 from the Seattle 25

Brady again moves up in the pocket and hits Edelman for a 21-yard gain.

Again Seattle had third-and-long, and again Brady came through. Those two third-down throws, along with a 15-yard penalty on Earl Thomas, allowed the Patriots to get down the field in a hurry.

Two plays later, Brady hit Danny Amendola for a touchdown, and suddenly the Patriots were right back in the game.

7:55 remaining, first-and-10 from the Seattle 20

Wilson’s pass to Ricardo Lockette goes incomplete.

Running a crossing route, Lockette was open when Butler fell in coverage, but suddenly Lockette was on the ground too. Replays showed that Butler reached out as he went down and tripped Lockette.

It’s hard to blame Butler; he was beat, and Lockette catching that pass at full speed would have gone for a bigger gain than would a pass interference penalty, but it’s a trip officials should have caught.

The Seahawks would go three-and-out after Wilson missed an open Lynch on third-and-5, compounding the significance of the no-call.

4:47 remaining, second-and-11 from the New England 48

Brady connects with Rob Gronkowski for a 20-yard gain.

Brady would hit Gronkowski again for 19 yards two plays later on second-and-10, two of the most important connections of the day between New England’s best two offensive players.

2:06 remaining, second-and-goal from the Seattle 3

Brady hits Edelman for a touchdown.

Edelman burned Tharold Simon by faking a slant route, then spinning back outside, a move he had also used on the previous drive, only to be overthrown by Brady.

After not giving up a fourth-quarter point in the last six games of the regular season, Seattle allowed 14 to the Patriots.

1:55 remaining, first-and-10 from the New England 49

Wilson’s deep pass to Kearse is broken up by Butler.

The loss of down was less significant than the fact that Wilson, with the clock stopped, had to burn a timeout. The Seahawks would later use their second timeout following Kearse’s 33-yard circus catch, putting them in a position where they had to throw on second-and-goal from the 1.

1:06 remaining, first-and-goal from the New England 5

Lynch rushes for 4 yards to the 1.

In the excitement of the finish, it was easy to miss just how close Lynch was to scoring one play before the interception. The play was well blocked, and when he hit the hole, Lynch looked for a moment like he was going to score, but linebacker Dont’a Hightower dove to undercut Lynch with a shoulder tackle.

If Hightower is a split second later to the tackle, or if he hit Lynch up high and Lynch fought through it, or if any of the above plays had turned out differently, Wednesday’s parade might have been in Seattle instead of Boston.

Herald Columnist John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.