The Seattle Seahawks Failed To Learn Their Lesson
By Erik Lambert
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) carries the ball past New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) and Sealver Siliga (96) during the third quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Does anybody remember earlier in the 2014 season when the Seattle Seahawks suddenly decided they could be a throwing team? No? Here’s a refresher. After an opening day win over the Green Bay Packers, Seattle lost three of their next five games. People were scrambling for a reason why but it was staring them right in the face the entire time.
Here is the number of carries Marshawn Lynch had in each of those games.
- Loss @ San Diego: 6 carries, 36 yards
- Loss Vs. Dallas: 10 carries, 61 yards
- Loss @ St. Louis: 18 carries, 53 yards
The common trend was the team didn’t focus on what they did best, which was pounding the ball with their best player. Luckily they seemed to learn their mistake. Lynch carried it at least 20 times in eight of the final twelve games heading into the Super Bowl. The Seahawks were 11-1 in those contests.
Thus comes the Super Bowl. Nothing changes. Marshawn Lynch carries them throughout the game with 102 yards and touchdown on the ground. It was no different on the final drive. He started everything with a 31-yard catch. Then, after the crazy catch by Jermaine Kearse that set them up at the five yard line with a minute to go, Lynch drove them down to the one on the next play.
With a timeout in their back pocket, there was no reason to rush. Lynch was on the field. Seattle had all the momentum. One more carry couldn’t hurt. Instead, the Seahawks did what so many Super Bowl losers have done. They got away from what they did best.
Russell Wilson threw a pass on 2nd and Goal with 26 seconds left.
It was intercepted.
If ever there was a clear cut lesson in this catastrophic blunder, it’s live and die by who brought you to the dance. The Seattle Seahawks can ruminate on that for months, and perhaps years to come.