Reactions to Seattle's final play[edit]
After the game, Seattle faced heavy criticism for their decision to call a pass play on second and goal from the 1-yard line with 26 seconds and one timeout left instead of a rushing play. Following the play, Collinsworth stated, "I'm sorry, but I can't believe the call. … I cannot believe the call. You've got Marshawn Lynch in the backfield. You've got a guy that has been borderline unstoppable in this part of the field. I can't believe the call." He further added, "If I lose the Super Bowl because Marshawn Lynch can’t get it in from the 1 yard line, so be it. So be it! But there is no way... I don’t believe the call."[83][84] Sports Illustrated writer Peter King called the play one of the worst calls in Super Bowl history,[85] as did retired Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.[86] Retired running back Emmitt Smith, the NFL's all-time leading rusher, went even further, calling it the worst play call in the history of football.[87] Others, including University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh and Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath defended the call, crediting Butler for the play he made and pointing out that the Seahawks only had one time-out left.[88][89] Writing for Grantland, Bill Simmons said the Seahawks "took too much heat for the final play call" and noted Carroll opted to run the ball on fourth down at the end of the 2006 Rose Bowl, costing his team the game.[90]
In the game, Lynch had gained at least one yard on 22 of 24 carries.[91] While the Patriots in 2014 were ranked fifth-worst (28th overall) in the league in holding opposing backs for no gain or a loss, they had stopped him for no gain on both a third-and-2 and a third-and-1, the latter in the red zone.[73][91][92] On the season, Lynch had scored just once on his five attempts from his opponent's 1-yard line. From 2010 to 2014, though, he scored 45 percent of the time, ranking 30th out of 39 running backs; for his career to that point, he was successful on 42 percent of his attempts (15 of 36).[a][b]
Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell acknowledged making the call,[94] but also remarked that Lockette could have been more aggressive on the play.[95] Wilson said the play was a "good call", and lamented throwing the interception and "not making that play."[94] Carroll, though, said the last play was "all my fault", and called Bevell "crucially important to our future."[94] The head coach added that Seattle would have run the ball on a subsequent play,[94][96] as well that "we don't ever call a play thinking we might throw an interception."[97] Butler's interception was the only one against all 109 pass attempts during the 2014 NFL season from the 1-yard line.[98]
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