Special to the AmNews
When New England linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Akeem Ayers stopped Marshawn Lynch on the 1 yard line, 20 seconds to go, fourth quarter, prolonging Seattle’s quest from another Super Bowl win, one couldn’t help but to think, “Marshawn’s getting another hand off. Marshawn’s getting a touchdown! Beast Mode’s going to Disneyland!”
Going ahead in the fourth quarter after coming from 10-points in the third, the New England Patriots’ chance for a Super Bowl victory had suddenly faded a third straight time, because of a last-minute lucky catch.
Receiver Jermaine Kearse, who put Lynch in position, would have been forever remembered in the annals of Super Bowl lore for a remarkable catch, like New York Giants’ David Tyree in 2008 and Mario Manningham in 2012, that did in the Patriots. Kearse’s spectacular, on his back, 33-yard pitty- patted catch that accidentally wound up in his hands after being deflected by defenders with 1:06 left in the game, momentarily halted New England’s thoughts of imminent victory. Their air was taken out. Thoughts were now of miracles.
Malcolm Butler, New England’s undrafted rookie cornerback lined up on Seattle’s right side, New England’s left. Brandon Browner, a member of Seattle’s Super Bowl team last season, lined up with him. Ironically, Butler had been on Kearse during his incredible catch.
Russell Wilson, from the shotgun, threw a short pass that Butler, straight up jacked. Browner may have gotten to it, if it weren’t for Butler.
“I felt like if we would’ve lost that game, it was my fault,” Butler said. “I got another opportunity to get back out there, and I made a play.”
“He’s been doing it to me in practice all season, so it was nice to see him pick someone else off,” stated quarterback Tom Brady, the Super Bowl MVP who’s keeping his trophy but giving the new Chevy truck that comes with it to Butler. “None of us will ever forget that play.”