Despite two near-perfect fourth-quarter drives by the New England offense, Super Bowl XLIX was by no means a flawless contest for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. On the second possession of the game, the veteran signal-caller inexplicably forced a throw into the end zone that came to rest in the hands of Seattle…
In Part 1, Chuck Zodda broke down the first half of Super Bowl XLIX and the special teams battle pitting Jon Ryan vs Julian Edelman. After being captivated by Katy Perry’s halftime extravaganza, Chuck went back to the film room to examine whether the Seattle Seahawks punt unit could once again stop Edelman and the…
The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots both feature talented special teams performers. In the wake of Super Bowl XLIX, Chuck Zodda revisits concepts from his special teams previews, and looks at the battle between punter and returner — Jon Ryan vs Julian Edelman — that ensued in Arizona. You may now resume regular breathing.…
The New England Patriots added another Vince Lombardi Trophy to their collection, thanks to Tom Brady’s near-perfect fourth quarter and Malcolm Butler’s improbable interception. In a game often decided by mere inches, less heralded plays can be just as important. In Super Bowl XLIX, stopping the read option proved crucial in the Patriots’ victory over…
Malcolm Butler’s interception has been examined from every angle; as the play that sealed the victory in Super Bowl XLIX for the New England Patriots over the Seattle Seahawks, it got the attention it deserved. However, Butler was in position to make that play because of an extraordinary effort by Dont’a Hightower on the penultimate…
The New England Patriots pass defense had an up-and-down game in Super Bowl XLIX. The Seattle Seahawks failed to complete a pass until late in the second quarter, but eventually proved efficient with their air attack, gaining more than 20 yards per completion before the Patriots stood firm to earn the victory ‒ including the…
On the New England Patriots’ third drive of Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots made finding Tharold Simon their priority. With Simon replacing the injured starter, Tom Brady and his receivers went right down the field for their first points of the game by picking on the backup. The Patriots open the drive on…
The New England Patriots captured their fourth championship title in franchise history after a thrilling 28-24 comeback victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Long before “the Butler did it” with a game-sealing interception on the one-foot line, the Patriots defense held the Seahawks to a critical three-and-out, capped by the Ninkovich sack…
When it comes to football strategy and play calling, coaches usually garner most of the praise in the wake of glory — and shoulder the blame when things go awry. Where does that leave the players? Mark Schofield examines the Russell Wilson throw. “I don’t care. He’s the one who threw the [bleeping] ball.” ‒ Frank…
It’s Super Bowl week, and all the focus is on the big game. Whether offense, defense, or special teams, Inside The Pylon has you covered. Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka has emerged as a question mark heading into the postseason after outstanding seasons in 2012 and 2013. Special teams expert Chuck Zodda breaks down the reasons…
Much attention has been given to the marquee matchups of Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. The versatile and innovative Patriots offense against the strength and smarts of the Seahawks secondary gets the most attention, followed by the Seattle running game against the New England defense. Dave Archibald has studied the pass defense of the…
The Seattle Seahawks enter their Super Bowl XLIX matchup with the New England Patriots with the best statistical defense in the NFL. The Seahawks finished the regular season with the fewest points and total yards allowed for the second consecutive season. After reviewing the tape, the stats don’t lie —— the reigning champs may be…
The New England Patriots have shredded two of the best punt coverage units in the NFL in back-to-back weeks, making the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts look pedestrian. Now, as they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, an array of dazzling returns and special teams superstars could be poised to make a difference.…
While the rest of the nation became acquainted with the Ideal Gas Law, Mark Schofield locked himself in his film room with the Seattle Seahawks 2014 and 2013 game film, a case of Mountain Dew, and Mark Ronson’s “Record Collection” on repeat. He emerged late last night gleeful and confident that he had put together…
Jon Ryan made a name for himself during the NFC Championship Game, proving that punters can be quarterbacks when called upon. Now, he faces a skilled New England Patriots squad that features a dynamic returner, exceptional blockers, and a varied scheme that has baffled two of the league’s best punters in New England’s most recent…
Mark Schofield finishes his countdown of the five most important New England Patriots offensive plays of the year, with Julian Edelman‘s touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Click here for Play #2: Gronk’s Rumble, Play #3: Amendola’s Scramble, Play #4: Edelman’s Dash and Play #5: Wright’s Catch. Top 5 Patriots’ Offensive…