Up and down defense gets it done in the end

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The Patriots are Super Bowl 49 champs. The game lived up to all the hype, as the Patriots got the job done behind Tom Brady and a defense that was up and down, but made the big plays when they counted. It was dicey in the middle of the game, especially at the end of the 2nd half when Seattle stormed down the field and tied the game at 14.

One of the keys that was commonly highlighted was containing running back Marshawn Lynch and quarterback Russell Wilson, which they did a pretty good job with for the most part. Lynch still managed 102 yards and a touchdown, but he never really delivered a knockout blow like he's capable of, and he only averaged 4.3 yards a carry, so the Patriots defense did a pretty good job for the most part. And then there's Russell Wilson, who managed 39 rushes on 3 carries, but he nearly beat the Patriots with his arm. He made some great throws, especially to Chris Matthews (109 yards and a touchdown on 4 catches). Wilson threw for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. That 1 interception is what killed them, though. Malcolm Butler made a great play to jump the route and save what would have been a game winning touchdown pass. Sure, the play call was questionable (actually downright terrible), but it was still a great play for the un-drafted rookie, especially after giving up a miracle catch to Jermaine Kearse.

So, yeah, it was touch and go, especially in the middle of the game, but the Patriots defense clamped down in the 4th quarter and made the big plays when it counted, and that's why we're on top of the mountain. Again. For the 4th time.