The personnel grouping was the key factor, according to Carroll. The Patriots left their three corners in for man-to-man coverage, so it makes sense that Carroll would want to take advantage of those matchups. As you can see above, look where Tom Brady puts this ball on the slant to Brandon LaFell for a touchdown earlier in the game. Also, look how LaFell has positioned himself between the ball and the corner.

Last, the clock is an important factor here. With 26 seconds remaining, if the Seahawks run the ball and don't score, they are forced to take their last timeout. That means on third down, they would be forced to pass anyway, since they would probably be unable to lineup and run a fourth down play on an unsuccessful rushing attempt. That's a lot of what ifs, and it's certainly possible they could have gotten away with it -- although piles of bodies at the goal line usually take awhile to clear. By passing on second, they could conceivably pound the ball on third and fourth down if need be (which is what Pete Carroll said he intended).

All around, it's an extremely difficult call and Carroll is judged by everyone only on the outcome of the play, rather than the decision-making process. I think I would have run the ball myself, but the hindsight bias is strong with this one and I completely understand the Seahawks' passing -- rather than all the criticism that came in calling it the worst play call in history. If the Seahawks score there, no one thinks twice about the decision. Similarly, Bill Belichick could have been ridiculed for not taking his timeouts once the Seahawks were in a goal-to-go scenario. But, the Patriots won, and no one mentions Belichick's mistake.

Congratulations to the Patriots and nothing should be taken away from Malcolm Butler's truly incredible interception.