The New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX to win their first championship in 10 years.
The game will be remembered for Malcom Butler's game-winning interception at the one-yard with 20 seconds remaining, as it rightfully should be remembered, but the win was a complete team effort. Here's a few key points and notes about the victory:
1. Darrelle Revis, the biggest signing of the offseason, turned in one of his finest performances of the season. As Doug Kyed, of NESN noted, Revis allowed one catch for 3 yards and a touchdown. The catch, though, was the play in which Revis was picked by the back judge.
Jeff Howe, of the Boston Herald, tracked Revis' individual statistics all season and these were the results:
For the season -- "36 of 82 (43.9 percent) for 548 yards, four touchdowns, five interceptions (three for Revis) and a 57.4 passer rating."
From week 8 to the end of the season -- "18 of 51 (35.3 percent) for 265 yards, three touchdowns, four interceptions (two for Revis) and a 40.1 passer rating."
2. The gameplan installed by OC Josh McDaniels and Bill Belichick. The attack focused on the short passing game, rather than aggressive throws downfield. It attacked Seattle's weakness and avoided their strength. Edelman caught 9 passes for 109 and a touchdown, including a season-saving catch on 3rd and 19 that resulted in a massive hit from Kam Chancelor. Shane Vereen added 11 receptions which allowed the offense to stay in managable down-and-distance. Another key contribution came from Danny Amendola. Yes, that Danny Amendola. The virtually non-existant regular season Danny Amendola that came alive and played a huge role the final four games of the season. Amendola's slash line went 5/48/1 and he was also solid on kick returns.
Tom Brady was essentially unstoppable as he went 21 of 23 for 170 yards and two touchdowns when releasing the ball less than two seconds after the snap. The two incompletions? A batted ball and a thow away.
3. Speaking of Brady, he delivered one of his finest performances when the team needed him most. The reliance on the short passing game tests more than physical ability, it tested his patience. Heading into the fourth-quarter, Brady and his Patriots were down 10 to one of the league's best defensive units. That's when Brady took his play to another level. Brady went 13 of 15 for 124 yards and two touchdowns, which included the eventual game-winer to Edelman.
Notes:
After Jermaine Kearse's incredible catch, the Seahawks ran the ball with Marshawn Lynch and Dont'a Hightower made the tackle to stop him at the one-yard line. After the game, reports came out that Hightower was actually playing with a torn labrum.
Five Patriots (Edelman, Vereen, Gronkowski, Amendola and Blount) accounted for 40 or more yards of total offense.
Patriots were 8-14 (57%) on 3rd down while the Seahawks were 3-10 (30%).
New England ran 72 plays while Seattle ran 53.
In the last three seasons, Seattle was 18-0 when entering the fourth quarter with at least a 10 point lead.