What better way to close the book on the 2014 season than engaging in a little February 2015 NFL Power Rankings?
With a bevy of coaching changes made, the postseason completed and the greatest individual effort in Super Bowl history freshly etched into our memories, we thought it time to produce one final accounting of all 32 teams -- with a dash of 2015 lookahead.
Before we get to that, let's circle back to Malcolm Butler's play. Considering the game situation, the opponent and the undrafted rookie's pedigree (or lack thereof), what play in Super Sunday's glorious, 49-year history can topple the one Butler made to seal the Patriots' fourth Super Bowl victory? Even some Seahawks players marveled at his diagnosis of the underneath slant route. The jump he got on the ball represented instant recognition boosted by an adrenaline burst. Most importantly, he finished the play by catching the ball. Even Admiral Hoodie would have to admit he far surpassed merely doing his job.
Another fond memory of mine from this epic title game:
We all had our favorite players as kids. Mine was Drew Pearson. But I never got to see the Dallas Cowboys wideout score a pivotal touchdown in a Super Bowl while wearing his road jersey, standing on my seat, with my Dad next to me. Shoot, I'd go for merely being able to watch a football game with my father at this point. The kid was overwhelmed, to say the least. What a cool moment. Then his mom finding me on Twitter the next day? Come on. What a really cool moment.
Hope you've cooled off since Sunday night. What an emotional ride this season -- and that game -- was. From Dez's catch/non-catch to squishy footballs to a top-flight Super Bowl, it was a postseason that won't soon be forgotten. With that, see what you think about the end-of-season Power Rankings. As always, your take is welcome: @HarrisonNFL is the place.
Follow Elliot Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonNFL.