NewsBite

The ‘worst play in Super Bowl history’ explained

IT’S been dubbed the worst play call in NFL history. A decision so dumb it single-handedly cost the Seahawks the Super Bowl.

Jai BednallJai Bednall
@jaibednall
2 min read
February 2, 2015 - 2:19PM

IT’S been dubbed the worst play call in NFL history.

A decision so dumb it single-handedly cost the Seattle Seahawks the game in Monday’s Super Bowl against New England.

It occurred with just 30 seconds left in the game with Seattle trailing the Patriots 28-24.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Seahawks had miraculously marched the ball down the field to New England’s one-yard line, meaning they just had to move the ball forward one yard to give themselves a 31-28 lead and in all likelihood back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

In Seattle’s favour was the presence of star running back Marshawn Lynch, a physical brute of a man who specialises in running the ball through traffic in situations just like this.

The safe play was to hand the ball to Lynch and let him do his thing.

But instead the Seahawks coaching staff got cute and instructed quarterback Russell Wilson to throw to wide receiver Ricardo Lockette.

And the worst possible scenario unfolded.

New England defender Malcolm Butler read the play, stepped up in front of Lockette and intercepted the pass, giving his side possession with its four-point lead in tact.

The game was over. New England win.

The question will be asked for generations: why did Russell Wilson throw the ball?
The question will be asked for generations: why did Russell Wilson throw the ball?
A shattered Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson.
A shattered Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson.

WHY DID THEY THROW THE BALL?

Shattered Seattle coach Pete Carroll explained the decision after the final whistle.

He’d seen New England line up in what’s known as their goal-line defence, where they position as many players as possible directly in front of the ball because they’re expecting a running play.

In response, Seattle lined up with three receivers out wide, leaving Lockette one-on-one with rookie cornerback Butler — who had never intercepted a ball in his NFL career.

It was only second down — which meant even if Wilson failed to connect with Lockette and score the touchdown, Seattle would still have two more attempts to score.

And Lynch would surely get the job done.

The added benefit in throwing the ball, in the eyes of Carroll and offensive co-ordinator Darrell Bevell, was they could take a few more seconds off the clock, leaving the Patriots with less time to try to level the score when they got the ball back.

“We didn’t want to run against the goal line group right there,” Carroll said.

“We were playing for third and fourth down ...

“It’s a miraculous play the kid made to get in front of that route.”

Miraculous? Yes. But Malcolm Butler wouldn’t have had the chance to make the play if Lynch had been given the ball.

Butler had never made an interception in his NFL career until today.
Butler had never made an interception in his NFL career until today.

HOW DID MALCOLM BUTLER REACT?

“I just had a vision that I was going to make a big play and it came true and I’m just blessed,” Butler told NBC’s Michelle Tafoya.

“I can’t explain it right now. I just went and made a play. It was crazy, man.”

WHAT ARE THE FANS SAYING?

Understandably, they’re stunned.

Originally published as The ‘worst play in Super Bowl history’ explained

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/american-sports/the-worst-play-in-super-bowl-history-explained/news-story/ff43b6460f8c64c395c1712ba853ffdc