Super Bowl 2015: Hero and Zero Of The Game

If you had looked at the stats halfway through the second quarter, you might have come to the conclusion that the New England Patriots had the upper hand in this game. But it only took a couple of key plays to turn this game into a wash at halftime.

The Seattle Seahawks did a good job of limiting the running game and keeping Tom Brady from having the time to get the ball downfield. But one of those key plays actually came in the red zone, as Brady attempted a TD toss. The pressure on Brady affected his throw and resulted in a turnover. His two INTs was a truly alarming stat.

The Patriot defense was also unable to corral Russell Wilson, as he had time in the pocket, as well as, to scramble out of trouble to extend drives. In fact, it didn't take long for them to tie the game twice in the first half, the second time in just 30 seconds.

The second half belonged to Seattle, as they jumped out to a 10-point lead in the third quarter. The Patriots simply looked anemic after a pretty good first half.

Needing a score as the fourth quarter opened, the Patriots drove down the field and did just that. Brady capped a nine play, 68 yard drive with a nice toss to Danny Amendola to pull within three.

And then with just over two minutes left in the game, Brady did it again to vault ahead of the Seahawks for the lead. The ending would be classic as the Seahawks drove to the Patriot one yard line, only to have a Wilson pass intercepted by rookie Malcolm Butler to seal the win for the Patriots.

I have to give the CO-HERO of the game to Butler for that one play alone. He did well in coverage with a couple of nice rejections as well. But Brady deserves recognition for his 37/50 328 4 TD night. I think the conversation for GOAT can start in earnest after bringing home his fourth ring at the age of 37.

It is hard to pick a ZERO in this one, but it probably has to be Darrell Bevell for NOT handing the ball to Lynch with only a yard to win the game at the end. It is easy to second-guess a coaching decision from the couch, but that call truly makes no sense. Lynch led the league in rushing TDs and was nearly unstoppable today.

Hats off to the Patriots for putting the doubters to silence amid a sea of controversy leading up to the big game. This Super Bowl was one of the greatest in my memory, and not just because the Patriots won.

The best, most well-rounded team won. The Patriots showed that they deserved to be there and to compete for the highest honor in sports.