if NE calls timeout with 1 min left ... if allows SEA to run on the next 3 plays.
By running the clock down to 22 seconds ... if confused the situation for SEA as they could no longer run on 3 plays. It created the pass play.
I have not reviewed it thoroughly. What about the long pass play to the 5 yard line .... why not a timeout there?
Hmmm. At least it's a plausible explanation. If that was Belichick's thinking, I don't know - that seems like a gamble with much higher probability of failing that simply calling a timeout with one minute left and either stopping them (not likely) or getting the ball back with enough time to possible score a FG (tough, but more likely than Seattle not scoring from the half yard line with 22 seconds and three plays).
What about the long pass play to the 5 yard line .... why not a timeout there?
Wouldn't the clock have stopped anyway?