Patriots stun Seahawks to win Super Bowl XLIX
The New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX, capturing their fourth Lombardi Trophy.
New England rallied from a 10-point fourth quarter deficit thanks to a pair of late Tom Brady touchdown passes. Brady threw four scores on the night and was named MVP.
The Seahawks allowed 14 fourth-quarter points Sunday, after allowing a combined 13 in their previous eight games.
Related: Brady, Belichick solidify spots atop list of all-time greats
After letting their lead slip away, the Seahawks looked poised to steal the game late on a final drive, but Russell Wilson was intercepted on the goal line by Malcolm Butler, sealing the win for the Patriots.
The decision to not hand the ball to Marshawn Lynch on the 1-yard line in the game's closing moments will likely be scrutinized for the foreseeable future. Lynch had more than 100 yards on the night and not giving him the rock with 20 seconds left was puzzling, to say the least.
Related: 10 must-see moments from Super Bowl XLIX
New England's win gives Brady his fourth championship, tying him with Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw for the most ever by a quarterback.
Top Performers
Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
328 yards passing, 37 completions, 4 touchdowns
Brady set a record for completions in the Super Bowl, and his four touchdowns were no easy task against a secondary of that skill set.
Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots
9 receptions, 109 yards, 1 touchdown
The Seahawks had no answer for Edelman's quickness, and his ability to change direction on a dime led to his game-winning touchdown.
Chris Matthews, WR, Seahawks
4 receptions, 109 yards, 1 touchdown
Matthews didn't have a single catch in his NFL career heading into the Super Bowl, but his efforts almost propelled the Seahawks to a victory.
Turning Point
Normally a turning point doesn't come this late in the game, but Butler's interception with 20 seconds to play stunned the Seahawks. All they needed was a yard, and a risky throw into traffic in that situation made little sense.
Must-See Moments
Gronkowski can't be covered
Rob Gronkowski continues to prove he is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders.
Matthews makes an acrobatic catch
Unheralded Chris Matthews nearly became a Super Bowl hero with a touchdown and this incredible catch.
Edelman puts Patriots on top for good
Brady finds Edelman with 2:02 left to complete an impressive fourth quarter comeback.
Kearse makes circus catch
This circus catch by Jermaine Kearse nearly propelled the Seahawks to a late comeback.