Super Bowl XLIX: What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt

What a game ladies and gentlemen, what a game. What could have been either a slow defensive battle or ugly blowout turned out to be one of the most incredible Super Bowls that I've seen in years and quite frankly, one of the most surprising. I say that, because some incredible stories came to life on the field last night, so here is what we learned from Super Bowl XLIX. 

1. The Patriots were the better team after all. Credit must be given where credit is due. The Patriots were prepared for basically anything and everything that the Seahawks threw their way. At no point did Marshawn Lynch take over the game. On multiple occasions the Pats were able to shut down Wilson and the offense; and speaking of offense, New England got creative with their own and confused the Seattle defense all night long. But of course, the biggest play of the night and proof of how well this team prepares came in the final seconds, when rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler spotted what Russell Wilson was up to and intercepted the ball to seal the win. The New England Patriots outplayed, out coached and quite frankly out classed the Seattle Seahawks in every possible way.  Congratulations are in order to the New England Patriots - Super Bowl XLIX Champions.

2. One of the worst calls in the history of NFL play calling may have cost the Seahawks the game.  Despite the fact that New England won, for a minute there it seemed like Seattle was about to take the game. With seconds left, and a 2nd and Goal at their disposal, a simple run play to Marshawn Lynch likely would have sealed the win for the Seahawks. But someone on their coaching staff thought they would get creative and win it through the air and next thing you know, Russell Wilson is intercepted. It doesn't matter whose decision it was, it was a stupid, stupid call. Even if Lynch was stuffed on 2nd down, Seattle had a timeout to regroup and try again. Just a stunning mistake on Seattle's part, and one that will haunt them for a very long time.

3. The Seattle Seahawks also displayed their true colors tonight, and we found out they are sore, sore losers. Following an encroachment penalty, the Patriots kneeled down to end the game when an all out brawl broke out. I saw blue jerseys taking swings at anyone in a white jersey and it even led to the first ever player ejection in a Super Bowl. Let me just say this to the Seattle Seahawks as nicely as I can. Grow up. You're professional football players, and you lost the game, be classy about it. I mean seriously, this was embarrassing on so many levels. This is the biggest game of the year, where the two finest teams are playing for the championship and you go and do this. Disgusting. That's okay though, now we know what this team is made of, entitlement, ego and a whole lack of class.  Way to end one of the greatest Super Bowls that I have ever seen on a classless note.  

But despite that sour note, what an amazing season and I know I enjoyed so much of what happened on the field, it's just a shame it has all come to an end, for now. At least it's a short wait to Free Agency and the Draft, we'll be back when all of that kicks off. Until then my football friends.

---