There are many words to describe this past NFL season but one phrase sums it up. Wow, what just happened?
This NFL season was truly an emotional roller-coaster, full of wins, losses, huge disappointments, calls that refs that completely altered the outcome of the game for the better (or the worse, in the Seahawk’s case), and the infamous deflate gate scandal. The scandal is currently under investigation for the under-inflation of 11 out of the 12 game balls used during the lopsided 45-7 win over the Colts for a trip to super bowl XLIX.
That AFC championship game was a lot more than under-inflated balls, with it being the second most lopsided game ever, behind Buffalo’s 51-3 win over the LA Raiders during the 1990 season. Even the scoreboard says so.
It all came down to luck and fate in the final minute of super bowl XLIX. Seahawk’s quarterback Russell Wilson, with his second appearance and start in a super bowl, lobbed a pass to wide receiver Jermaine Kearse who made an indescribable catch that all came down to pure luck. This put the Patriots in a rather dangerous situation. Some fans even say this catch was a flashback to the David Tyree helmet catch during Super Bowl XLII that led to the 17-14 upset. Super Bowl XLIX would be a much rather different and appealing outcome for the Patriots.
On second down, with Marshawn Lynch in the backfield, instead of going with the run play, which in many opinions would have secured the Seahawks second consecutive title, Seattle’s offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell decided to go with the pass. This decision was immediately regretted, when rookie Malcolm Butler made the game-winning play, with an interception in the end zone. Although many fans oppose the infamous call, other fans say otherwise.
“I’m fine with that play call” said sophomore Seahawks fan Gavin Zaleski “Whenever they gave the ball to him in those situations, he went 1 for 5 in Td’s. It was an honest mistake”.
This was an honest mistake indeed. A truly disappointing one that cost the Seahawks a second consecutive title and gave the Patriots their fourth.
History Department chair Brian Plancich, a die- hard Seahawks fan, was initially surprised by the Sunday night game.
“The Seahawks can either dwell on it or they can improve and learn from their mistakes” said Plancich “Either way, both teams played a great game, and that’s all that matters. Even a yard can make a major difference”