For two years, the Legion of Boom has carried the Seattle Seahawks. That's not to say the rest of the team has been dead weight; far from it actually. But Seattle's dominant defense has always been the star. When it finally came time to see what Russell Wilson could do when it was all on him, he and the Seahawks offense came up just short.
One yard short to be exact.
Seattle lined up with the ball on the one-yard line with less than 30 seconds to go after an absolute circus catch by Jermaine Kearse. Running back Marshawn Lynch had crossed the 100 rushing yard threshold on the night, yet Seattle opted for a pass play in the most important moment of their season. It was a statement that the franchise and coaches had the utmost confidence in their young quarterback. But a Tom Brady, Russell Wilson is not. At least not yet.
A heart breaking interception that would make Romeo and Juliet weep ended any dreams of a Super Bowl repeat Seahawks fans still harbored.
In the end, it wasn't an array of trick plays or crafty calls. Instead, it was the veteran savvy and innate calmness of a proven winner that allowed the Patriots to control most of the first half and then overcome a 10-point deficit late in the game.
Brady bounced back from two momentum-stopping picks to lead a steady passing attack that consistently beat the Seahawks underneath. New England maneuvered themselves into manageable down-and-distances and ended up with 21 passing first downs on the night. Overall, Brady completed 37 of 50 passes (a Super Bowl record) for 328 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions. There may not have been many "wow" plays for the Pats, but it turned out that safe and reliable was better than jaw dropping and crazy.
The Legion of Boom may be more highly publicized, but it was New England's secondary that stole the headlines tonight. Wilson made some spectacular plays - undrafted free agent receiver Chris Matthews being the benefactor of many of them - but was largely held in check during the first half. Despite entering the fourth quarter with a two-possession lead, Seattle's defense couldn't stop a goal line pass to Julian Edelman for the go-ahead score.
Brady now ties Joe Montana with four Super Bowl rings. His legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is unchallenged.
And to think, all of this history came down to just one yard.
