A Recap of Superbowl XLIX

Article by:Christine O'Connor 

Twitter: @ChristineeeeO

Image Credit: CBSSports.com

Seattle, seeking to become the first repeat NFL champion since New England a decade ago, was outplayed for the first half, yet tied at 14. The Seahawks scored the only 10 points of the third period, but the NFL-leading defense couldn't slow the Tom Brady when it counted most.

Strong early play by the Patriots gave way to a halftime tie and a 10-point Seahawks lead as the Chris Matthews came out of the woodwork, but things were only getting warmed up. Matthews was one of Seattle's least-used players before the postseason. Matthews recovered the onside kick that helped the Seahawks beat Green Bay in overtime for the NFC crown, and had a breakout performance during the big game.

The Pats grabbed the lead with two fourth quarter touchdowns, the second of which set Seattle up with the ball and a little more than two minutes to play. A crazy catch with by Jermaine Kearse put them on the doorstep, but then we were introduced to Malcolm Butler intercepted the ball on a slant pass as he sealed a 28-24 win for the Patriots.

Brady was intercepted twice (the total of two times he was intercepted in his previous five Super Bowls),

yet he surpassed Joe Montana's mark of 11 Super Bowl touchdown passes with a 4-yarder to Danny Amendola to bring the Patriots within three points. Brady has equaled Montana with four Lombardi Trophies and three Super Bowl MVPs. He stands alone with 13 Super Bowl touchdown passes. He was 37 for 50 for 328 yards against the NFL's top-ranked defense.

The Patriots will celebrate their title with a victory parade at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Boston mayor Marty Walsh said. The parade will start at the Prudential Center and end at City Hall.