SUPER BOWL XLIX: PATRIOTS 28 SEAHAWKS 24
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Tom Brady and the Patriots made this Super Bowl all about football, not footballs.
Clutch football, spiced by a sensational fourth-quarter rally and a goal-line, game-saving interception.
The record-setting Brady threw for four touchdowns, including a 3-yarder to Julian Edelman with 2:02 remaining Sunday night as New England rallied from a 10-point deficit to win its fourth Super Bowl in the Brady-Bill Belichick era, 28-24 over Seattle.
But the Patriots (15-4) had to survive a last-ditch drive by the Seahawks (14-5), who got to the 1, helped by a spectacular juggling catch by Jermaine Kearse. Rookie Malcolm Butler stepped in front of Ricardo Lockette and picked off Russell Wilson’s off-target pass to complete one of the wildest Super Bowl finishes.
Brady surpassed Joe Montana’s mark of 11 Super Bowl touchdown passes with a 5-yarder to Danny Amendola to bring the Patriots within three points.
Seattle, seeking to become the first repeat NFL champion since New England a decade ago, was outplayed for the first half, yet tied at 14. The Seahawks scored the only 10 points of the third period, but the NFL-leading defence couldn’t slow the brilliant Brady when it counted most.
It didn’t matter how much air was in the balls, game MVP Brady was unstoppable when the pressure was strongest. While pushing aside the controversy over air pressure in the footballs stemming from the AFC title game, the Patriots toyed with Seattle in the final 12 minutes.
Seattle didn’t quit – they never do – and Kearse’s 33-yard catch with 1:06 remaining got it to the 5. Marshawn Lynch rushed for 4 yards, then backup cornerback Butler, who was victimized on Kearse’s reception, made the biggest play of his first NFL season with 20 seconds remaining.
“I just had a vision that I was going to make a big play and it came true,” said Butler, an undrafted rookie from West Alabama. “I’m just blessed. I can’t explain it right now. It’s crazy.”
Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin was ejected in the final seconds for instigating a near-brawl, delaying the celebration for the Patriots.
Soon they were mobbing one another on the same field where their 2007 unbeaten season was ruined in the Super Bowl by the Giants. They also fell to the Giants for the 2011 title.
But thanks to superstar Brady and the obscure Butler, they are champions again.
Brady now has equaled Montana for Lombardi Trophies and Super Bowl MVPs (three). He stands alone with 13 Super Bowl touchdown passes. He was 37 for 50 for 328 yards against the NFL’s top-ranked defence.
(Associated Press)
Oh so sweet hopefully scruffy will pipe down now. Nothing better then seeing shermin crying at the end!
The only thing missing from this game was Brady going to Sherman and asking:
You mad bro?
When did George Cortez become Seattle's OC. What a ridiculous play call!
Marion Jones, Lance Armstrong, Donavon Bailey someday TomBrady will be in the same class as the other shysters.
Donavon Bailey? Why? Maybe you mean Ben Johnson?!
For us folks 55 and over, it has been a treat to witness the two greatest players in action in the Pros in our lifetimes: Bobby Orr and Tom Brady – it must be amazing to be a sports fan living in Boston for the past 50 years or less.
Old Hank
wonder if scruffy will show his face at work tomorrow?
Tom Brady best QB to ever play. Instant HOF induction when eligible.
Well Seattle's coaches will never live that one down. Reminds me of the Riders 13th man.
NOt sure Brady gets this much praise when Seattle OC handed the SuperBowl to the Pats. Ridiculous play call that will haunt him/them for a long time. Shades of Riders 13th man in GC – stings.
Either way a very entertaining football game one of the best ive seen
brady still had to march down the field twice against that defence. and to the person comparing him to lance Armstrong, stick to watching the CFL.
Up tours too! Stick to watching ping pong!
Marion Jones and Lance Armstrong were caught using steriods.
Donavan Bailey?? What has he done wrong?? Not a cheater.
Tom Brady?? Just the best QB of all time! If you're trying to state that he's a cheater…give it a rest. Deflate-gate is the same as Ovie using an illegal curve every game. Remember, Brady put up 24 pts in the second half of the AFC Final after the balls were adjusted. I have yet to see a football player in the NFL think this is even a story. Doesn’t change the outcome.
I would watch ping pong over CFL 7 days a week and twice on Monday.
Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, Roger Staubach.
Old Hank-What the hell are you smoking?
Don't like either team but the Pats made me $50 richer so "Go Pats"….yuch, I feel so dirty!!!