New England Patriots 28 Seattle Seahawks 24
A Tom Brady-inspired New England Patriots clinched the Super Bowl in dramatic fashion on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, clawing back a ten point deficit after the third quarter to edge the contest 28-24. After a pointless first-quarter, the two teams were locked at 14-14 at half-time, before Seattle looked to be heading to a victory as they held a ten-point advantage with just the final quarter remaining. However, Tom Brady and his men never know when they're licked and they stormed back to score fourteen unanswered points, to clinch a sensational win for the Patriots.
They had to withstand a close call near the end though, as after going in front with just two minutes left, they were indebted to rookie Malcolm Butler's interception to prevent Russell Watson's pass from reaching Ricardo Lockette. Butler prevented a near certain touchdown that would have stolen the triumph back for the Seahawks instead, although many wondered why the play was not called as a running-back move instead. In defeat, Seattle were denied becoming repeat NFL champions that would have matched New England's feat ten years ago.
For Brady it was a personal triumph as well as a team success, ten years after his last win in the Super Bowl, and he was determined that the opportunity would not get away from him.
He was involved in four touchdown passes during the game, including a 3-yard pass to Julian Edelman as the clock ticked down to two minutes remaining, claiming his third Super Bowl MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in the process. He also went past Joe Montana's record of 11 Super Bowl touchdown passes when he connected with Danny Amendola.
For the Patriots, it was their fourth NFL championship during the Brady-Bill Belichick partnership and they became the first team in the long history of the showpiece final to be ten or more points behind in the second-half, yet still go on to win.
Brady demonstrated his commitment to the cause afterwards by stating: "You know, whatever it takes….
we held strong, we held together, and it's a great feeling.''
Edelman was more frank in his assessment of what had made the difference for the Patriots: "He's Tom Brady. He's the greatest quarterback on the planet." Few who witnessed the sensational finale will argue with that assertion!
There is still the 'deflate-gate' row hanging over the Super Bowl victors though, as they are being investigated in the wake of the alleged use of under-inflated balls, during their defeat of Indianapolis Colts on the way to the final match.
In the now traditional half-time entertainment spectacular, it was Katy Perry's turn to entertain the masses on a giant origami-like tiger, as she showcased her hits "Roar", "I Kissed a Girl" (along with Lenny Kravitz) and shared the stage with the sassy Missy Elliot for three further tracks. Although it was generally well-received, onlookers were still adamant that previous shows by Madonna and Beyonce were better.
