Pete Carroll pulls a Marc Trestman
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll watches after the New England Patriots intercept a pass in the end zone with only seconds left in the game in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
In the most intense situation of the biggest game of his life, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll made a call that was as befuddling and as asinine as any made by former Bears Coach Marc Trestman during his stint. As even casual football observers know, the Seattle Seahawks lost the Super Bowl because they got too cute down the stretch. They insisted on playing chess instead of checkers, despite having an easy jump. If they would have simply handed the ball to their elite running back, they would have likely won the game. But for some profane reason, they insisted on going with a dangerous pass. It was a new level of choking about which “Mr. Second and Seven” could only dream.
Marc Trestman is obviously known for abandoning the run, and the Seahawks did that in the worst possible time. It was a truly unfortunate way to end an otherwise incredible Super Bowl. It’s too bad that it came down to a dubious coaching call rather than a Beast Mode dive. Having said that, Malcolm Butler made a tremendous play when it mattered most.
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) makes an interception during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Why am I writing about the Super Bowl on a Bears site? I suppose it’s because this is something from which we all can learn. The Bears have been notorious for finding creative ways to lose in the past few years; 2nd and 7, Randall Cobb, etc. But this game, as well as all the other big NFC playoff games, served as a great reminder that the Bears are not the only team capable of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in a antagonizing, almost eerie manner.
January 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) catches a 35 yard pass from quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) for the game winning touchdown ahead of Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams (38) during the overtime period in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The way the Lions lost in the Wild Card Weekend was unfortunate. The way the Cowboys lost in the Divisional Playoffs was gut-wrenching. The way the Packers lost in the Conference Championship was otherworldly (To the agonizing dismay of Packers fans, and in turn to the profound jubilance in Bears fans like myself). But the way the Seahawks lost in this Super Bowl was just plain dumb. It combined the heartbreak of Kevin Dyson falling one yard short with the agony of Scott Norwood barely missing the needed points. It was a game for the ages that Seahawks fans and players will never forget. However, one of the main things that Pete Carroll has over Marc Trestman is his ability to adapt to hard times. I do believe that under his usually fantastic coaching, the Seahawks will come back for vengeance next year.