Seattle's league-best defense fails in 4th quarter

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The best defense in the NFL was handed a 10-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter and could not deliver a second straight Super Bowl title for the Seattle Seahawks.

Say what you will about the decision to have Russell Wilson throw from the 1-yard line, resulting in Malcolm Butler's clinching interception for New England. But before that moment, the Seahawks defense allowed two long touchdown drives and watched the Patriots rally for a 28-24 victory.

Seattle had the best pass defense, best total defense and best scoring defense in the NFL. The Seahawks had allowed less than 10 points per game during their eight-game win streak to close the season.

But the Seahawks fell to 2-6 over the past two seasons when allowing 24 or more points. Five of their six losses this season, including Sunday night, came when giving up 24 or more.