It’s hard enough to lose the biggest game of the season on your own terms, but going down without using your greatest weapon makes the entire ordeal even more difficult to swallow. Yet that’s exactly what the Seattle Seahawks did in the closing moments of Super Bowl XLIX when they chose to forgo the textbook handoff to Marshawn Lynch at the goal line in favor of an asinine passing play that resulted in a game-ending interception.
Trying to figure out just what the Seahawks were thinking in the waning seconds of their repeat championship effort is pretty much an impossible task. They have quite possibly the most difficult to stop weapon in the backfield with a literal beast in Lynch, yet for some reason they chose to get cute and go with a Russell Wilson pass against the New England Patriots rather than make the smart call.
Maybe the ulterior motive here was to justify the eventual gargantuan extension to Wilson that has been rumored for a while now. That possibility can’t be overlooked given that money talks in all walks of life, but it’s hard to believe a team would stake an entire year of hard work and effort to return to the NFL’s mountain top on such a trivial pursuit.
Or maybe the hidden message here was to Lynch, who made a stink in the offseason about his contract and has been rumored to be on his way out of Seattle. It’s hard not to think that played a part in the way he’s been utilized by the team at times this year.
Perhaps Darrell Bevell just outsmarted himself as the Seahawks offensive coordinator. Sometimes it’s hard to go back to the well again after it’s worked so many times and you anticipate the other team expecting your move to go by the book.
But that’s no excuse for not handing the ball to Beast Mode in the most critical moment of the season. 53 players fought through blood, sweat and tears to reach the pinnacle, yet some coordinator who thought he knew better than logic determined the outcome of the game rather than going down with all guns blazing.
There’s no telling just what led to what can only be described as one of the worst play-calls in NFL history. Only Bevell and the Seahawks sideline can truly reveal what the thinking was behind a pass instead of the simple handoff. What doesn’t need any explaining, however, is the fact that the decision literally threw away a repeat celebration for Seattle.
Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
Financially, it looks as though the Cincinnati Bengals could benefit from releasing Domata Peko this offseason. But based on his durability and leadership role on this team, is this a good idea? Read More
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in position to improve their football team through the draft. Here is their latest mock draft. Read More
2015 NFL Free Agency is just over a month away, and there are several huge names waiting to find out their fate. Read More
You’re not a combine expert if you don’t know that 'The NFL Combine' isn’t even its official name. Check out these other fun fact,, including the name of the legendary NFL executive who suggested it. Read More
The NFL Combine is a great opportunity for prospects to display their talents in front of NFL decision makers. Here are 10 players you have to watch. Read More
Everyone has focused on the offensive line but the New York Giants can't afford to ignore the defensive front. Read More
Before the combine begins, here's a seven-round mock of how the Eagles might play their cards in the upcoming draft. Read More
If the Oakland Raiders are going to return to relevance, they need to target these big-name free agents this offseason. Read More
There's no disputing the importance of an elite QB in today's NFL, and these 10 signal-callers are the cream of crop in the 2015 NFL Draft class. Read More
Since dominating the Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Patriots' wide receiver Julian Edelman has been seen celebrating the victory in a number of ways. Read More
The Cleveland Browns are looking to improve this offseason through the 2015 NFL Draft. Here are the five biggest needs before the NFL Combine. Read More
The NFL Combine is just two weeks away, and here are the five biggest draft needs for the Tennessee Titans heading into it. Read More