Underrated Superbowl Moments

[Hendu At The Wall]

Maybe we can use a thread to discuss both in-game and out-of-game moments that may have flown under the radar.

I'll start with a random media moment: Tafoya's update on Avril's concussion ended with not an analysis of game impact, but with the fact that he couldn't come back on the field to talk to the media during the Seahawks' celebration.

 

[GeorgeCostanza]

Nationwide is a fucking despicable company.

That illegal downfield blocking penalty that negated a good gain on the Vereen miniwheel could have taken the air out of that drive but not on Brady's watch. One of my favorite moments.

 

[Rook05]

Maybe it's not the right thread, and I haven't hit every discussion yet, but I was screaming for them to call a TO after Lynch ran to the 1. BB was going to let them score if they ran it, right? Right?

 

[GeorgeCostanza]

I think he was going all in on the defense there. He said in the presser that they would have prob started calling time outs after the next run.

 

[SuperManny]

Maybe it's not the right thread, and I haven't hit every discussion yet, but I was screaming for them to call a TO after Lynch ran to the 1. BB was going to let them score if they ran it, right? Right?

 
I was shocked that they didn't call timeout there. I'll give Belichick credit because that was balls to the wall by not calling timout. 

 

[moondog80]

Maybe it's not the right thread, and I haven't hit every discussion yet, but I was screaming for them to call a TO after Lynch ran to the 1. BB was going to let them score if they ran it, right? Right?

No. You let them score when the other team can run the clock, kick a FG, and go ahead. Seattle needed the TD and despite how we felt at the time, it wasn't automatic. Just ask the 49ers and Ravens.

EDIT: Though yes, I'd have hedged by bets and used a timeout.

 

[crystalline]

 
I was shocked that they didn't call timeout there. I'll give Belichick credit because that was balls to the wall by not calling timout. 

That's my underrated moment. Belichick chose to rely on the defense. A huge huge huge decision. And in retrospect even without the INT I think it was the right call. If the pass is dropped Seattle faces third and short, and they need a TD. Two more stops and the game is over.
If Butler doesn't make the catch I think the WR would have- he was running a short slant with no defender behind him and Butler only barely arrived in time. In that case the Pats get the ball needing a TD to tie.

Great decision making at the end of the game by Belichick. Awesome.

 

[DJnVa]

He made that INT by at least a foot.

 

[TrotWaddles]

He made that INT by at least a foot.

I was just thinking that! Malcolm Butler and Dave Roberts. That kid doesn't even realize that he never has to buy a beer in Boston for the rest of his life.....

 

[singaporesoxfan]

Maybe it's not the right thread, and I haven't hit every discussion yet, but I was screaming for them to call a TO after Lynch ran to the 1. BB was going to let them score if they ran it, right? Right?

 
Bill calls a TO there, Seattle can run on every play. The fact there was a pass play call might have been due to the decision.

 

[Dan to Theo to Ben]

I was going to create a thread on underrated plays, this is better and all-encompassing
 
1) Kearse's "drop" at around the 15 on 3rd down at the end of the 3rd quarter
 
2) Edelman's catch on 3rd and 14 on The Drive
 
3) Edelman's catch on 3rd and 8 on The Drive

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

Gronk's catch immediately after the OPI (or whatever it was) on Amendola was huge. The penalty was a pretty big gut punch when things were looking up, but once Gronk got his mitts on the next one I knew the Pats were getting 7.

 

[Filet-O-Fisk]

 
1) Kearse's "drop" at around the 15 on 3rd down at the end of the 3rd quarter
 

I thought this was a huge play. Sea was up 24-14, the Pats most recent drive went nowhere. Sea was at midfield. Lynch and/or Wilson running the ball seemed unstoppable. There was 1 min left in the 3rd quarter and it was 3rd and 3. So the Seahawks try a 30 yard bomb down the sideline? I thought that was a stupid call then, and in fact it was foreshadowing of the stupid play call at the end.

 

[Stitch01]

The stuff on Lynch on 3rd and short on the drive to start the half was huge.

Vereen 1 handed catch on the final drive.

 

[simplyeric]

 
I was shocked that they didn't call timeout there. I'll give Belichick credit because that was balls to the wall by not calling timout. 

I almost wonder if Seattle assumed BB would call the TO, and that it reverse-iced them when he didn't.

I mean, they assume he'll call the TO so they have certain plays in mind, and when he doesn't take the TO it suddenly shifts the play calls, and Wikson has a little less time to get the play moving, etc.

I don't know. I just know I was baffled at the time.

 

[SuperManny]

The stuff on Lynch on 3rd and short on the drive to start the half was huge.

Vereen 1 handed catch on the final drive.

 
That catch was amazing

 

[lexrageorge]

I thought this was a huge play. Sea was up 24-14, the Pats most recent drive went nowhere. Sea was at midfield. Lynch and/or Wilson running the ball seemed unstoppable. There was 1 min left in the 3rd quarter and it was 3rd and 3. So the Seahawks try a 30 yard bomb down the sideline? I thought that was a stupid call then, and in fact it was foreshadowing of the stupid play call at the end.

I can understand that play call.  Seattle had the 10 point lead, and they were going for the dagger.  I just rewatched the sequence:  Butler had a nice tackle on the previous play to stop a first down, and did get a hand in Kearse's face on that play.  

 

[Dehere]

Hightower getting just enough of Lynch on first and goal to bring him down. There was a split second where he looked absolutely home free. In the chaos of the final minute the tackle was not really highlighted. Massive play sure to be forgotten.

 

[AbbyNoho]

Hightower getting just enough of Lynch on first and goal to bring him down. There was a split second where he looked absolutely home free. In the chaos of the final minute the tackle was not really highlighted. Massive play sure to be forgotten.

 
I agree completely. I was sure he was in and he was just... barely... stopped. An ounce less effort from Hightower and the Patriots aren't champions. 

 

[jsinger121]

It was Ayers that made the stop on Lynch on 1st and goal.

 

[riboflav]

Butler on Kearse's miraculous catch had the presence of mind to get up and tackle him. How many rookies do we see just assume the play is over at that point?
 
Also, Butler for purposely tripping the WR (can't recall who it was) when down three. If he doesn't do that that could've been a HUGE gain for Seattle and may have put the game away.

 

[Dehere]

It was Ayers that made the stop on Lynch on 1st and goal.

Hightower credited in the gamebook but whatever. Huge play regardless.

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

The Seahawks' confusion after Kearse's catch. They had to take a time out, which if they have, Lynch probably runs three times from the one.

Also, but for Butler paying attention, Kearse stands up and walks into the end zone, but Butler pushes him out of bounds.

Oops: riboflav beat me to it on number 2

 

[Matty005]

What about Brady drawing Seattle offsides after the pick?  I know I was still scared shitless of having to do a QB sneak at the 1 yard line.  Too many bad things could have so easily happened.

 

[riboflav]

What about Brady drawing Seattle offsides after the pick?  I know I was still scared shitless of having to do a QB sneak at the 1 yard line.  Too many bad things could have so easily happened.

 
Yes, that was big. Seattle fell apart after Butler's INT. The Patriots did not after Kearse's ridiculous catch.

 

[GeorgeCostanza]

Was way too excited when it happened but on replay Butler should have gone down in the end zone for the touch back. But I suppose I can forgive him this one time.

 

[jsinger121]

Was way too excited when it happened but on replay Butler should have gone down in the end zone for the touch back. But I suppose I can forgive him this one time.

Momentum looks like it carried him out to the 1 yd line.

 

[leftfieldlegacy]

That stunned "about to cry" look on Sherman's face when he realized it was not a TD but an INT. Absolutely priceless.
http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/richard-shermans-face-says-it-all-1683158726

 

[Tito's Pullover]

I'm not sure where the ball was exactly, but if the ball was between the goal line and the one yard line, and butler's legs were both in the end zone, is it a safety if he takes a knee? (I honestly don't know the answer)

 

[singaporesoxfan]

You can't have a safety in that situation. It's a touchback I think.

 

[Tito's Pullover]

I didn't know if there was some weird "forward progress"-like rule interpretation at play there.

 

[Bleedred]

Butler had a great game, even absent the INT.   He was all over his coverages all game, and he only played in the 2nd half, replacing an ineffective Arrington.  Amazing performance

 

[Tony C]

What about Brady drawing Seattle offsides after the pick?  I know I was still scared shitless of having to do a QB sneak at the 1 yard line.  Too many bad things could have so easily happened.

 
Brilliant play. And deliberate..Brady explained how he went to a triple 'hut' for the first time on that play to get them offsides. Brilliant

 

[PedroKsBambino]

 
Brilliant play. And deliberate..Brady explained how he went to a triple 'hut' for the first time on that play to get them offsides. Brilliant

 
Of course the Pats have a play for when they are stuck at their own 1 and need the room
 

It was Ayers that made the stop on Lynch on 1st and goal.

 
I thought Hightower had him first (legs, and back upfield a little) and then as Lynch went forward as he was going down it was Ayers who wrapped him up at the 1 to be sure he didn't leap forward into end zone

 

[crystalline]

 
Brilliant play. And deliberate..Brady explained how he went to a triple 'hut' for the first time on that play to get them offsides. Brilliant

He figured there was no point in saving that count for any later time in the game.

P.s. before the offsides I thought they were going to have Brady take a slow knee into an intentional safety, no? Weren't they lined up in the victory formation?

 

[E5 Yaz]

Butler having the presence of mind to get up and pushing Kearse out of bounds after the miracle catch.

 

[dynomite]

2) Edelman's catch on 3rd and 14 on The Drive

This, right here.

Everyone is going to talk about the circus bullshit catch that got the Seahawks to the 5 yard line. I mean, it was incredible focus by the WR there, but to describe that as the "one of the best catches in Super Bowl history" is just silliness, in my opinion.

But that Edelman catch?

HOLY. FUCKING. SHIT.

Let's re-set the scene:
- The score: 24-14 Seahawks
- Time left: 10:58
- Line of scrimmage: Patriots' 28
- The hit: Impossible to describe without a GIF, but it was... epic.

This, to my mind, could very well have been the game. Miss this play, and what can you do? Go for 4th and 14 from your own 28? Nah, you punt. The Seahawks get the ball back, still up 10. Maybe the Pats still make the comeback, but I think the odds go down dramatically.

 

[JohnnyK]

But that Edelman catch?

HOLY. FUCKING. SHIT.

http://gfycat.com/PitifulDamagedChimneyswift

 

[SemperFidelisSox]

Watching the game again....

A bad penalty by Earl Thomas for a late hit during the first TD drive of the 4th quarter.

 

[Soxfan in Fla]

This, right here.Everyone is going to talk about the circus bullshit catch that got the Seahawks to the 5 yard line. I mean, it was incredible focus by the WR there, but to describe that as the "one of the best catches in Super Bowl history" is just silliness, in my opinion.But that Edelman catch?HOLY. FUCKING. SHIT.Let's re-set the scene:- The score: 24-14 Seahawks- Time left: 10:58- Line of scrimmage: Patriots' 28- The hit: Impossible to describe without a GIF, but it was... epic.This, to my mind, could very well have been the game. Miss this play, and what can you do? Go for 4th and 14 from your own 28? Nah, you punt. The Seahawks get the ball back, still up 10. Maybe the Pats still make the comeback, but I think the odds go down dramatically.

That play was amazing. He got crushed and not only held onto the ball but nearly stayed off the ground to make it a much bigger gain. Knee barely touched.

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

Also, Butler for purposely tripping the WR (can't recall who it was) when down three. If he doesn't do that that could've been a HUGE gain for Seattle and may have put the game away.

 
Yeah, the no-call on that one is why I have no complaints about the officiating.  It was balanced in its let-'em-play-itude.  Made up for the non-call on roughing the kicker, in the end.
 
edit: oh, and let me add another underrated moment...
 

I'm sitting next to Terry Francona in Vegas. He says Pedro absolutely knew he was coming in during game 7 of '04 ALCS. Says his claim that he had his shoes off and only had time for eight warmup pitches was horseshit.

Also thinks Pats will win today.

 

[MentalDisabldLst]

I didn't know if there was some weird "forward progress"-like rule interpretation at play there.

 
Yeah, if Butler runs the ball out of the end zone, and then voluntarily runs back into it and is downed there, it's a safety.
 
The initial hit with Lockette was a big enough boom that he was actually knocked back into the end zone while making the catch.  His first few steps are to pivot and set his momentum to go forward.  Instead of doing that, he could have taken a knee and gotten a touchback.  But, you know, given all the other baller, heads-up plays he made (including, you know, intercepting the pass to win the fucking Super Bowl), I'll excuse him on that one.
 

[The Edelman catch], to my mind, could very well have been the game. Miss this play, and what can you do? Go for 4th and 14 from your own 28? Nah, you punt. The Seahawks get the ball back, still up 10. Maybe the Pats still make the comeback, but I think the odds go down dramatically.

 
Reminded me of - who was it, Demaryius Thomas? - getting a similar drilling by Kam Chancellor in the previous year's super bowl, and basically turtling and not being the same after.  Big hits from Chancellor are not for the faint of heart.  And does Edelman carry on and hear footsteps and get shell-shocked?  Fuck no.  In the moment, he gathers himself and nearly breaks off another huge chunk of yardage.  And later, he ends up catching the game-deciding TD on an incredible fake-out.
 
What a player he has made himself become.

 

[AlNipper49]

This, right here.

Everyone is going to talk about the circus bullshit catch that got the Seahawks to the 5 yard line. I mean, it was incredible focus by the WR there, but to describe that as the "one of the best catches in Super Bowl history" is just silliness, in my opinion.

But that Edelman catch?

HOLY. FUCKING. SHIT.

Let's re-set the scene:
- The score: 24-14 Seahawks
- Time left: 10:58
- Line of scrimmage: Patriots' 28
- The hit: Impossible to describe without a GIF, but it was... epic.

This, to my mind, could very well have been the game. Miss this play, and what can you do? Go for 4th and 14 from your own 28? Nah, you punt. The Seahawks get the ball back, still up 10. Maybe the Pats still make the comeback, but I think the odds go down dramatically.

Edelman in of itself is awesome. Everyone was proclaiming the Pats dead after Welker left and Edelman was basically considered a shit version of him. For him to emerge to a level that not a single person on the planet would trade Welker for him straight up but to make a defining clutch play in the Super Bowl, given Welkers well-known dropped pass, well it's just weird how stuff works out.

 

[GlenMorangie]

.

 

[Super Nomario]

 
Yeah, the no-call on that one is why I have no complaints about the officiating.  It was balanced in its let-'em-play-itude.  Made up for the non-call on roughing the kicker, in the end.
 

They really did keep their flags in their pockets. Just two holding penalties (one on Browner, one on Stork), no DPI, just the one OPI on Amendola, no illegal contact. Seattle had more penalties against them (7), but three were offsides / false starts and two were personal fouls.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Nink had a couple of huge plays, the stuff of Lynch on 3rd and 1 on the first drive after half and the sack on third down late in the third to keep them it down 10. He was tremendous these last 2 games.

 

[bigsid05]

That play was amazing. He got crushed and not only held onto the ball but nearly stayed off the ground to make it a much bigger gain. Knee barely touched.

 
You could see him grimacing after every subsequent play as well. Guy was clearly hurting yet kept going and was extremely effective. Unbelievable. 

 

[Average Reds]

What about Brady drawing Seattle offsides after the pick?  I know I was still scared shitless of having to do a QB sneak at the 1 yard line.  Too many bad things could have so easily happened.

 
That was total lack of discipline by Seattle's defense and a foreshadowing of the complete loss of composure resulting in the fight after the next play.
 
In short, eff 'em.

 

[Dick Drago]

I thought the Seahawks started celebrating when they had the ten point lead and let up just a bit. Maybe Pete's rah rah let the guys have fun isn't as effective in that situation. Tough to imagine a guy on the other sideline taking the time to taunt and play to the camera at that point in the game.

When the Pats scored Seattle seemed almost shocked 'oh shit, it's a three point game'.

The Pats didn't roll over, and the Hawks had lost just enough intensity.

 

[johnmd20]

That play was amazing. He got crushed and not only held onto the ball but nearly stayed off the ground to make it a much bigger gain. Knee barely touched.

 
Welker drops that ball.