Four Words That Defined Super Bowl XLIX
Bryan Altman, CBS Local Sports
The New England Patriots are Super Bowl Champions and one of the first words that comes to mind when describing this one is unbelievable. Brady vs. Wilson, Legion of Boom vs. Gronk and the gang, - This one lived up to the hype and then some. It seemed like the Patriots were left for dead, but they clawed their way back and fought the Seahawks and their increcible defense to the bitter end. Against all odds, with an incredible goal line stand, the Patriots claimed the game and their fourth Super Bowl victory of the Brady-Belichick era.
What? - Why on earth did the Seahawks throw the football at the end of the game? Marshawn Lynch has been the workhorse for this team and there's plenty of time to run the football. And are there even words other than "what" to describe the catch Jermaine Kearse made at the end of this game? That quite simply doesn't happen. And of all teams for it to happen against? The New England Patriots already dealt with Tyree, and now Kearse. It looked for a minute like Arizona had Tom Brady's number, until Seattle snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Guts - Russell Wilson and Tom Brady were both faced with the imminence of losing this game at numerous junctures and managed to bring their respective teams back. And the pressure on the Patriots to make a stand on the goal-line was immeasurable.
G.O.A.T. - Tom Brady's legacy is more than likely now complete. He has tied his hero Joe Montana with four Super Bowl victories and did it in legendary fashion. This might also put to bed the ever-raging debate about who's better between Brady and Peyton Manning. Four Super Bowl titles to one; it's mighty hard to argue that it's not Brady anymore.
Matthews - What can you say about this kid Chris Matthews? His first career catch (if you don't count onside kicks) was a gorgeous 40-yard catch in the Super Bowl. Not to be outdone by his second, a touchdown catch to tie the game with two seconds left in the first half. Signed off the practice squad on Dec. 6, Matthews stole the show in the first half and made himself a household name, or, at least managed to differentiate himself from household name Chris Matthews of Hardball fame.
More from Bryan? You can email him or find him on Twitter @bcaltman.