Super Bowl 2015: Game-Changing Highlights, Performers from Patriots vs. Seahawks

Super Bowl 49 had no shortage of stars step up on the biggest stage in the NFL. However, it was the New England Patriots that came away with a 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks to claim their fourth title.

Tom Brady came away with the game's MVP award after a brilliant performance. Despite his two interceptions, Brady still went 37-of-50 for 328 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Seahawks. In the process, he surpassed Joe Montana for the all-time lead in Super Bowl touchdown passes with 13 in his career.

All four scores went to different receivers, making Brady the first quarterback to do so in Super Bowl history. Brandon LaFell, Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman all got in on the action, but it was Edelman's reception that clinched the victory—offensively, at least.

Overall, Edelman was tied as the game's top receiver, but he filled the exact role the Patriots needed. Brady didn't throw many balls down the field, opting to go to Shane Vereen, Gronk and Edelman on short routes. That led to a 109 receiving yards on nine receptions for the slot receiver.

Despite taking the loss, no one will forget the performance Chris Matthews put on in the Super Bowl. No, not that Chris Matthews, the one that won Rookie of the Year honors for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Yes, that's the CFL, not the NFL. That shows just how far the former Kentucky wideout has come.

Prior to Sunday night, Matthews had never hauled in a single reception in the NFL. The 25-year-old receiver then pulled down four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown to lead his team on the sport's biggest stage. Not a bad coming-out party for Matthews, even if Seattle did take the loss.

Going from a relative unknown to a star in one night is a familiar story for another player.

Malcolm Butler, an undrafted rookie, got his time to shine on the final momentum swing of the game. After the Seahawks drove all the way down to the Patriots 1-yard line, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll decided to put his trust in Russell Wilson. Instead of running with Marshawn Lynch, Wilson threw a pass that was picked off by Butler.

The interception also just happened to be the first of Butler's NFL career. He had a combined three tackles in the postseason before collecting three on Sunday night. Needless to say, it was a coming-out party for more than just Matthews.

With all of the young talent emerging on the Super Bowl stage, it doesn't seem like a stretch to think both teams can return to next year's title game. The 'Hawks will need better offensive weapons, but have the defense to give talent time to develop.

On the New England side, there is no question they have an all-around team capable of repeating. Brady is a veteran presence for a team that has a full repertoire of players capable of opening the field up. Let's just say this might not be the end of this budding rivalry.

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