Seahawks defense dominates Drake Maye and Patriots to win Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29–13 to win Super Bowl LX this past Sunday
On Sunday, Feb. 8, the Seattle Seahawks, led by their stout defense, defeated the New England Patriots 29–13 to win Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Calif. The victory secured the Seahawks their franchise’s second Lombardi Trophy and gave New England their sixth Super Bowl loss in franchise history, an NFL record.
How the game went
The first three quarters of the game were marked by elite defensive play from both Seattle and New England. Both defensive fronts applied constant pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, keeping both Sam Darnold and Drake Maye off target and out of the endzone. The bulk of early offensive productivity came from Seattle’s run game, led by running back Kenneth Walker III. Consistent gains by Walker III positioned Seattle to convert four field goals through three quarters, making the score 12–0 late into the third quarter.
A strip-sack of Maye by Seahawks defensive end Derick Hall at the end of the third quarter was soon converted into the first touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter. Sam Darnold hit tight end AJ Barner for a 16-yard touchdown pass to cap off a one minute and 24 second drive to push the score to 19–0.
The Patriots quickly responded as Maye capitalized on a hurry-up offensive play, catching Seattle cornerback Riq Woolen out of position and sending a 35-yard touchdown pass over his head to wide receiver Mack Hollins.
Though the quick score might have seemed like a momentum shift, the Patriots could not keep things trending in a positive direction. Maye was subsequently intercepted on two consecutive drives as the Patriots attempted to climb out of the 19–7 deficit. The first interception was converted for a Super Bowl record 5th field goal by Seahawks kicker Jason Myers, making the score 22–7. The second interception was returned 45 yards by DE Uchenna Nwosu for a touchdown, all but sealing the game at 29–7 with four minutes to play.
A seven-yard touchdown pass from Maye to running back Rhamondre Stevenson brought the game to 29–13, but a failed two-point conversion left the deficit at 16 just outside of the two-minute warning.
Out of timeouts and out of time, the Patriots could not mount an improbable comeback as Seattle closed the door on their hopes and secured their victory over the AFC Champions.
Key players and statistics
Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III was named Super Bowl LX MVP for his pivotal contributions to the Seattle offense. Walker III rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries (5.0 yards/carry) and had two receptions for 26 yards for a total of 161 scrimmage yards.
Patriots QB Drake Maye completed 27 of 43 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, but threw two interceptions late while also losing a fumble that put a victory out of reach. Maye was also sacked seven times.
Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez had a phenomenal night that will be forgotten because of New England’s loss. The third-year defensive back was targeted five times and allowed only one reception for 16 yards, notably recording three passes defended.