After a long two weeks of deflategate drama and cheating accusations, the New England Patriots came out on top by defeating the Seattle Seahawks and winning the title of Super Bowl XLIX Champions on Sunday, Feb. 1.
During the weeks prior to the game, NFL fans across the nation were rubbed the wrong way regarding the New England Patriots scandal, nicknamed deflategate. Head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady announced in multiple press conferences that they had “no idea” that 11 of their 12 game balls against the Indianapolis Colts during the conference playoffs had been under-inflated.
With an ongoing investigation and a Belichick cheating incident already in the history books, some fans were hesitant to support the New England Patriots as they headed into Super Bowl XLIX. I, myself, was included in this skeptical group of football fans. Prior to the championship game, I had no clue who I wanted to root for. The Seahawks had booted my beloved Packers out of a shot at the title, but the Patriots had not proven themselves as the most honorable team within the last couple weeks. Then, five minutes before the game began, I decided I would go out on a whim and half-heartedly root for the Patriots.
During the first half, the Patriots looked promising. They were up 14-7 as halftime approached, just until Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll made a bold offensive call and quarterback Russell Wilson earned his team a touchdown to tie the game.
Throughout the second half, the Patriots offense seemed weakened. New England trailed 24-14, then 24-21, until they finally managed to lead the Seahawks 28-24 with two minutes left in the game.
At this point, the tone of the game changed and New England thought they were safe to win the game. This was only until Wilson threw a 33-yard pass down the right sideline to Jermaine Kearse, who juggled the ball and miraculously caught it while practically lying on the ground. He earned the Seahawks a first down at the Patriots five-yard line. Now, the Patriots were doomed. I shook my head in disappointment.
But then, somehow, someway, the Patriots made a comeback. With 26 seconds left in regulation, Wilson threw what was intended to be a slant pass to Lockette at the one-yard line. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Patriots defenseman Malcolm Butler made a game changing interception that some are calling the “play of the year.” Patriots now had the ball with 20 seconds left in the game. They were destined for victory.
The exciting turn of events during Super Bowl XLIX proved to be a redeeming moment for the New England Patriots. With or without properly-inflated footballs, the Patriots worked, adapted, and eventually reigned as champions during Sunday’s game. Their triumphant win over the Seahawks allowed them to regain the respect and faith of NFL fans they may have lost during weeks prior.
I commend you, Patriots. What a game!
