One other thought that comes to mind is Injuries are part of the game.   But the loss of Nickel CB Jeremy Lane and DE Cliff Avril substantially impacted the Super Bowl.   While Avril made a costly Offside penalty on a 3rd Down,  not having him part of the DE rotation when the Seahawks were trying to protect a 2nd half lead is something that probably caught up to the Seahawks.    Both from the standpoint of Avril's pass rush ability and the other Defensive Lineman having to spend more time on the field.   

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