I get it, Pete Carroll blew the last play by allowing a pass instead of a run.
But I’m not exactly sure what his team was doing when they gave up 14 points in the 4th quarter.
How often have so many close games in sports come down to the last play? This season, the USC Trojans suffered a devastating loss on a ridiculous Hail Mary throw by the Arizona State Sun Devils on the last play to clinch the win. It happens.
When the unexpected last second heroics, and devastation, occurs, players and coaches alike will often state the game is never won or lost on one play. There was plenty the Seattle Seahawks could have done to have not put them in that position to begin with.
Carroll, of course, puts the blame on his shoulders. Russell Wilson puts it on himself. The rest of the team will look at themselves in the mirror, wondering how they aren’t celebrating today.
This really was the Seahawks’ game to win, or lose. They were the ones with more personalities on the field. They were the ones who made the majority of the flashy plays. Yet all the while, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady remained patient and composed, waiting for their opportunity, and they are the ones with the victory today.
But Carroll isn’t to be blamed for this loss.
His play calling throughout the game was gutsy, was perfect, and put them in a position to win.
Let’s not forget, it was Carroll who plucked wide receiver, Chris Matthews, from obscurity and transformed him into their secret weapon that took the Patriots by surprise.
And with about 10 seconds left before halftime, down 7-14, instead of playing it conservative by kicking a field goal, it was Carroll who ordered a pass, which resulted in a touchdown, evening the game at 14-14.
Carroll’s play calling is gutsy and exciting, and is a symbol of the enthusiasm with which he coaches.
Quite frankly, I’d rather play for him than for Belichick, the “new school” vs. the “old school.” His energy is infectious. The spirit and positivity in his style is inspirational.
He has single handedly transformed the culture of his team.
The Seahawks may not be this year’s Super Bowl victors, but Pete Carroll is still a winner.