NFL Recap
With jury hearings for star running backs, one word responses to the media by running back Marshawn Lynch, Johnny Football’s NFL debut and Tom Brady’s fourth Super Bowl ring, the 2014-15 NFL season was a fast-paced roller coaster ride, going up and down, high and low. As an avid New York Jets fan, I ended up reminiscing about the 2011 Jets’ playoff run this season after watching the New Yorkers fall in twelve games out of the sixteen. Great job, guys.
On the brighter side, the Patriots, whom every student on campus seems to support, took everything home this season: Russell Wilson’s one yard pick, Belichick's famous cut sleeves (he actually had a full sweatshirt on in the Super Bowl) and even a picture of Richard Sherman’s disappointed face, which Julian Edelman decided to carry around in the Super Bowl parade.
Despite the joy at the end of the season for New Englanders, the NFL season began on a rather discouraging note. First, running back Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens was suspended because he was caught on tape punching his wife in an elevator. Then, running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings was suspended after he was indicted for child abuse. Both incidents took place at the beginning of the season, which caused complications for these two teams.
However, the season went on. The first match of the year, Seahawks vs. Packers, wasn’t much like the controversial “catch” by wide receiver Golden Tate two years ago in these two giants’ battle. Rather, it was a demolition of a helpless Packers squad by the Seattle offense and defense. Fans expected a close game, but instead received a 36 to 16 beatdown. In that same week, to New England’s shock, the Patriots lost their first game to the Dolphins, and Miami fans went wild. But that sadness for Pats fans quickly died as Tom Brady and his crew picked up their game after an embarrassing Monday night loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and widespread panic across Boston sports media. Most importantly, the Jets beat the Raiders that week, which was the highlight of my NFL season.
As weeks passed by, the road to the playoffs drew closer and closer while teams prepared for the final stretch of games. There was a closely contested battle for the four wildcard spots, but in the end the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and Detriot Lions each clutched a spot.
The Carolina Panthers, with a sub-.500 record, advanced past the wildcard round, defeating the limping Cardinals and their third string quarterback, Ryan Lindley. Andrew Luck outperformed his predecessor, the great Peyton Manning, by driving his team past the Broncos. And controversial calls happened left and right for the Dallas Cowboys, who somehow squeaked past the Detroit Lions but fell to the Green Bay Packers.
Four teams remained. New England continued their winning ways by absolutely destroying the Indianapolis Colts. Seattle, somehow, someway, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, completed a game winning drive with little time left to send Aaron Rodgers and his words home: “R-E-L-A-X.”
The Super Bowl was set. A battle between two power houses—the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. But wait, there’s another scandal. According to NFL “officials,” eleven out of the twelve footballs used in the Colts-Pats game were deflated, most likely by the Patriots. Did the Patriots cheat again?
These questions lingered as the Patriots prepared for the big stage. To start the game, both teams were sluggish, gaining a combined 94 yards in the first quarter. The second quarter brought forth more intense offense, and the teams went into halftime at a deadlock, 14-14. Katy Perry sang in some interesting fashion decisions and sharks, beachballs and talking trees somehow shared the stage.
After the break, the Seahawks took control of the game, but, as usual, Brady led his boys back with a touchdown pass to receiver Julian Edelman. After a miraculous, physics-defying catch by receiver Jermaine Kearse and a quick run by “beast mode” running back, Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks lined up at the one yard line, preparing to punch it in for Super Bowl XLIX. But wait. Seattle coach Pete Carroll called a passing play, and out of nowhere, cornerback Malcolm Butler snatched the football and with it Seahawks’ chance at a repeat championship. Tom Brady climbed up to the podium and held up his fourth Lombardi trophy, as most New Englanders, including some Exonians, jumped with jubilance.
Like most years, the season had highs and lows for the fans, teams and the league as a whole. Court hearings and scandals took place, but it all ended with a fourth ring for one of the greatest quarterbacks and coaches in all of football. And yes, I admit this, even as a Jets fan. (Clap, clap, clap.)