NFL Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks’ Defense Blows Huge Opportunity in Super Bowl XLIX

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By @ShaneRantSports

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Getty Images

We may never know the truth behind “Deflategate,” but the New England Patriotshave been named champions of Super Bowl XLIX after defeating the Seattle Seahawks, 28-24. Despite the last two weeks of an alleged cheating scandal, it was actually a great game; that was until the last 20 seconds of regulation.

The Patriots and Malcolm Butler posted a terrific goal-line stand after a puzzling call by the Seahawks on the one-yard line. Russell Wilson was picked off by Butler on second and goal. With only 20 seconds left, the game appeared to be over. Butler was called down at the one-yard line and that gave no room for Tom Brady to kneel. A QB sneak was drawn up and Seattle’s prized defense had an epic shot at redemption.

Instead, Michael Bennett jumped off-sides and was called for a five-yard encroachment penalty. The ensuing play led to a fantastic fight that marred a great game. But let’s not get caught up on the fight because the game was already over. Instead, let’s investigate the play before.

We can sit here and blame Wilson for the interception, but it was a great play by Butler and a dumb offensive play call with Marshawn Lynch in the back-field. I rather place some blame on the defense. First, they let Brady drive the Pats down the field and score the go-ahead touchdown. Then they are given a chance to look like heroes and go down in history, but one player cracks under pressure.

With that secondary and a strong front four, that could have easily been a safety or even a fumble in the end-zone. So many things could have gone wrong for New England, but all the Seahawks had to do was jump off-sides to ruin it. They could’ve even held the Patriots at the one-yard line with one timeout left and give themselves another shot.

To follow up a penalty with a fight is just terrible sportsmanship. I will admit, I did enjoy seeing the Patriots get beat up a little bit, but Seattle should have just taken the loss like men, watched Brady kneel and shaken hands. Besides a great game being marred by a fight and an alleged cheating scandal, it was an enjoyable Super Bowl. However, don’t blame Wilson completely because the defense had one heck of a chance to go down as legends.   

Shane Phillips is a Lead NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at .

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