Well, the confetti has settled in Santa Clara, and the Seattle Seahawks are hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in franchise history. Super Bowl LX didn't exactly follow the script many of us wrote—myself included—but it was a definitive statement from Mike Macdonald’s squad. The atmosphere was electric, but by the fourth quarter, the silence from the New England sideline spoke volumes.
The Game: Seahawks 29, Patriots 13
If you like defensive dominance, this was your game. The Seahawks' unit, affectionately dubbed "The Dark Side," absolutely smothered the Patriots' offense for three quarters. Drake Maye, who had a magical run to get here, looked mortal under relentless pressure, taking six sacks and struggling to find any rhythm until it was far too late. The Patriots' offensive line, which had held up surprisingly well during the playoffs, finally crumbled under the weight of Seattle's stunts and blitz packages.
While the Patriots' offense stalled, Seattle’s game plan was efficient and punishing. Kenneth Walker III earned a well-deserved MVP, carving up the ground game for 135 yards and controlling the clock, which kept Maye on the sideline for long stretches. Sam Darnold completed his redemption arc, managing the game perfectly with zero turnovers and a crucial touchdown pass to AJ Barner in the red zone.
And we have to mention Jason Myers, who etched his name in the record books with five field goals. It wasn't always pretty in the red zone for Seattle, but Myers ensured that every drive ended in points, slowly bleeding the Patriots dry.
By The Numbers: Box Score Breakdown
The story of the game was efficiency versus chaos. Seattle stayed ahead of the chains, while New England constantly found themselves in 3rd-and-long situations.
- Total Yards: Seahawks 385 | Patriots 240
- Time of Possession: Seahawks 36:12 | Patriots 23:48
- Turnovers: Seahawks 0 | Patriots 2 (1 INT, 1 Fumble)
- Sacks Allowed: Seahawks 1 | Patriots 6
Key Player Stats
Seattle Seahawks
- Kenneth Walker III (MVP): 26 carries, 135 yards, 1 TD
- Sam Darnold: 21/28, 230 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT (112.5 Rating)
- DK Metcalf: 6 receptions, 82 yards
- Jason Myers: 5/5 FG (Long 52), 2/2 XP
New England Patriots
- Drake Maye: 18/36, 195 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- Rhamondre Stevenson: 12 carries, 45 yards
- DeMario Douglas: 5 receptions, 60 yards
The Turning Point
The game was still technically within reach at halftime, with Seattle up 9-0. The turning point came early in the third quarter. The Patriots finally strung together a drive and crossed into Seahawks territory, looking to make it a one-score game. On a critical 3rd-and-short, Devon Witherspoon timed the snap perfectly, shooting the gap for a tackle for loss that forced New England out of field goal range.
That stop seemed to suck the air out of the Patriots' sails. Seattle took over and marched 80 yards for the Kenneth Walker touchdown that effectively put the game out of reach. That was the moment my 20-17 prediction officially died.
The Prediction vs. Reality
In my previous post, I confidently predicted a Patriots victory with a score of 20-17. Clearly, I was a bit off the mark.
My logic was sound at the time: I trusted the Patriots' ability to keep games close and Maye's knack for late-game heroics. I expected a defensive battle—which we got—but I underestimated just how overwhelming the Seahawks' front seven would be. I thought New England could establish the run to slow down the pass rush, but Seattle shut that down immediately.
I predicted a tight 20-point outing for New England, but they didn't find the end zone until the fourth quarter when they were already down 19-0. The 20-17 score line implies a back-and-forth chess match; what we got was a suffocating boa constrictor performance by Seattle.
Looking Ahead: Draft Season Begins
For New England, the loss stings, but the future remains bright with Maye under center. The priority for the offseason is crystal clear: Offensive Line. They need to invest high draft capital in protecting their franchise quarterback if they want to flip this result next year.
For Seattle, the post-Pete Carroll era has officially arrived with a bang. They have a young, hungry defense that is going to be a problem for the NFC West for years to come. It wasn't the result I called, but you have to respect a team that plays that fast and physical on the biggest stage.
Amazon Affiliate Finds: Championship Gear & Fan Essentials
Whether you're celebrating the Seahawks' victory or stocking up for a Patriots revenge tour next season, here are a few items to check out:
- Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LX Champions Hat: Grab an official cap to celebrate the second title in franchise history.
- Kenneth Walker III Jersey: Rep the Super Bowl MVP with the No. 9 jersey—perfect for the 12s in your life.
- New England Patriots Hoodie: For the faithful who stick by the team through the tough losses, a classic logo hoodie is a staple for the offseason.
- "The Duke" Official NFL Football: Start practicing your own throws for next season with the official game ball.
(Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)