The Broncos’ defense has held Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch in check for most of the first half of Super Bowl XLVIII. But they couldn’t hold him out of the end zone when he only had half a yard to go.
After a pass interference penalty on Tony Carter gave Seattle first-and-goal at the 1-yard line, the Seahawks handed it off to Lynch twice. On his first carry he got about half a yard, and on the second carry he finally crossed the goal line to put Seattle up 15-0.
Lynch now has nine carries for 12 yards and one touchdown.
The drive was set up by a Kam Chancellor interception of a Peyton Manning pass, and Manning has been a major disappointment, just 24 hours after being named the NFL’s regular-season Most Valuable Player for a record fifth time. The Broncos have now dug themselves a big hole, and they’ll need Manning to play a whole lot better if they’re going to dig out.