GLENDALE, Ariz. -- A few thoughts on the New England Patriots' 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX:
What it means: Wow. Wow. Wow. What. A. Game. Just when it looked like the Patriots were going to fall victim to another fluke play in the Super Bowl -- when Jermaine Kearse made a sensational, juggling, on-his-back 33-yard catch on the Seahawks' final drive -- undrafted rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler came up with the play of all plays: an interception at the goal line when the Seahawks were on the verge of a game-winning touchdown.
Who is Butler? An undrafted free agent out of West Alabama, Butler was a surprise in training camp and made the final roster. He wasn't a big part of the initial game plan in Super Bowl XLIX. But he came on as a replacement for slot man Kyle Arrington in the third quarter and played the game of his life. Butler is a great, all-around story. At one point, he was working at Popeye's after getting kicked out of college.
Brady's comeback earns him MVP: Quarterback Tom Brady was named MVP after he helped direct the Patriots' win after they trailed 24-14. Brady was 8-of-8 for 65 yards on the game-winning drive. It wasn't Brady's best all-around night, as his two interceptions hurt the team, but when the chips were down and the Patriots needed the clutch performance, it was "Brady Magic." He finished 37-of-50 for 328 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Game ball -- defense: Butler. He did it.
Game ball -- offense: Julian Edelman. He was most consistent and made things happen with the ball in his hands. He took a big hit on a catch over the middle in the fourth quarter but didn't miss any time. He finished with nine catches for 109 yards and a TD.
Injuries of note: Linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who had been limited with a shoulder injury, left the game before the extra point after Marshawn Lynch's 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Hightower was seen pointing to his right shoulder on the sideline, but he didn't miss any time. Looking ahead, we'll monitor if this is something that could require an offseason procedure.
RB snaps breakdown: Shane Vereen led the way with 51 snaps among running backs, and he was a big factor on checkdowns, finishing with 11 catches for 64 yards. LeGarrette Blount played 23 snaps, while Brandon Bolden was on for two.
Stat of note, Part I: The Patriots didn't score any points in the first quarter of their past six Super Bowl appearances.
Stat of note, Part II: Brady is the NFL's all-time leader in Super Bowl touchdown passes. He passed his boyhood idol, Joe Montana, who had the previous record, with 11.
What's next: The Patriots will select 32nd in the first round of the NFL draft. The NFL combine is later this month in Indianapolis, followed by the start of free agency on March 10. There is also the ongoing NFL investigation into underinflated footballs to be resolved. Oh, and there's quite a bit of celebrating for the team to do tonight.