That game was a like a heavyweight prize fight. It looked like New England (challenger) was dominating in the first half, but somehow Seattle (champ) managed to tie it up before the half. Then Seattle took over in the third quarter (normally where the Patriots shine) and go up two scores, looking like they were rolling to victory. Then Brady leads two really, really good TD drives in the 4th quarter (where Seattle usually shines), and take a 4 point lead with 2:00 to go.
Jab. Jab. Right hook. Uppercut. Champ is dazed but comes back swinging.
A couple of nice pitch and catches, and then the miracle catch that seems to haunt the Patriots in every super bowl loss.
Jab. Jab. Left hook out of nowhere to stagger the challenger.
But then the Butler pick; the champ walks into a wild, lucky haymaker that crosses his eyes and it looks like it's over, but he's not down yet.
Because of a dumb celebration penalty, the Patriots are now on the 1 yard line and can't kneel down. Still a fighting chance. Then Seattle goes offsides, letting them off the hook. It is the equivalent of missing an uppercut and hitting your chin, knocking yourself out.
It was a great game to watch, two talented, evenly-matched teams that I think would be 5-5 if they played 10 times. Congrats to Seahawks fans, it was a great season and by all rights you could have been celebrating tonight. I have a feeling you'll be back soon.