Seattle call still a mystery

It was the call heard ‘round the world.

A defining decision leading to the wildest finish in Super Bowl history and leaving more than 100 million people wondering, shouting and in dumbfounding shock.

With 20 seconds left in the game and at the New England 1-yard line (with a timeout in tow), the Seattle Seahawks opted to throw the ball for the game-winning touchdown. Instead, no-name rookie Malcolm Butler picked off Russell Wilson’s pass intended for Ricardo Lockette to cement New England’s fourth Super Bowl title with a heart-pounding 28-24 win in Super Bowl XLIX Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.

After the pick, the Internet exploded and suddenly millions of fans, players, media and casual viewers came crashing down on Seattle coach Pete Carroll, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Wilson for not handing the ball to the best and toughest running back in the game, Marshawn Lynch.

Carroll’s explanation was awful. He did what he had to do and fall on the sword as the leader of the team. Wilson did as well.

Carroll, it appeared to me, didn’t believe what he was saying. He did what was required of him and not to throw anyone under the bus. So did Wilson.

As for Bevell, not so much.

He initially blamed Lockette, saying the wideout should have fought harder to get the ball.

The only problem was Wilson’s pass was too far in front for Lockette to do anything with. Compounding the issue was Butler jumped the route and knocked Lockette back several yards.

Bevell’s reaction was pathetic. Own the call and own the loss.

Shortly after his comments, Bevell tried to back track and pin the decision on him. Too little, too late.

Bevell fell victim to an old coaching habit, out-thinking the situation. With so much on the line, he simply figured being cute was something the Patriots would fall victim to instead of handing the ball twice, if needed, to Lynch.

ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer also had a foot-in-mouth moment when he said Wilson could not audible because Seattle doesn’t operate in such manner. Really?

The Seahawks are poised to make Wilson one of, if not the, game’s highest paid player and he can’t change the play?

Dilfer’s reaction was one of pandering to Wilson amid the whirlwind reaction to one-third of the country losing their collective minds.

Now, football fans must suffer forever with the four Super Bowl rings now resting in the hands of smug owner Robert Kraft, coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

Despite the ramifications, I sit here days later still wondering how? Why?

Seattle fans still must be in shock and midway to a coma. This will haunt them forever.

Having been a Broncos fan my entire life, I am thrilled never to have lost a Super Bowl this way. Sure, the blowout losses are humbling, but have to take the title of “Worst play call ever” as dubbed by the Seattle Times and countless others in Super Bowl or NFL history is haunting.

Steve Puterski is the sports editor for the Lahontan Valley News and can be contacted at sputerski@lahontanvalleynews.com.