The Seattle Seahawks will spend the entire offseason wondering if Super Bowl XLIX would’ve ended differently had they run the ball on their final drive.
The Seahawks had the ball on the 1-yard line and arguably the NFL’s best running back in Marshawn Lynch standing in the backfield Sunday night, but they threw the ball — to the surprise of millions watching on TV worldwide — and Malcolm Butler intercepted it. That sealed the New England Patriots’ 28-24 win for their fourth Super Bowl championship.
The Twittersphere was full of “hot takes” on the subject of Seattle’s bold play-call.
First, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll gave his explanation for the call.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Edwerderespn/status/562099455906680833 align=”center”]
[tweet https://twitter.com/johnpboyle/status/562092435837169664 align=”center”]
Lynch refused to blame any one person.
[tweet https://twitter.com/AKinkhabwala/status/562090898725412867 align=”center”]
Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin was surprised at the call.
[tweet https://twitter.com/TerryBlountESPN/status/562099463695507456 align=”center”]
Other Seahawks weren’t happy with it.
[tweet https://twitter.com/mikefreemanNFL/status/562094758160760832 align=”center”]
Seahawks defensive back Tharold Simon didn’t agree with it.
[tweet https://twitter.com/UnderhillAdv/status/562092783201030147 align=”center”]
Former Seahawks receiver Sidney Rice gave an honest opinion.
[tweet https://twitter.com/sidneyrice/status/562087412198035457 align=”center”]
Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis was surprised at the call.
[tweet https://twitter.com/AshleyFoxESPN/status/562105080326148096 align=”center”]
A few Pro Football Hall of Famers were astonished at the decision to run the ball.
[tweet https://twitter.com/EmmittSmith22/status/562084396753121281 align=”center”]
[tweet https://twitter.com/DwightC87/status/562085029522571264 align=”center”]
Here’s a look at the play as Wilson was about to throw the ball. In fairness, there was an open window at the start of the route.
[tweet https://twitter.com/StatsNBCSports/status/562092941800251392 align=”center”]
The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin provides an incredible stat.
[tweet https://twitter.com/BenVolin/status/562103519084175360 align=”center”]
Some people chose to make fun of the play-call.
[tweet https://twitter.com/adctennis/status/562100404473696256 align=”center”]
Thumbnail photo via Richard Mackson/USA TODAY Sports Images
