Photo by Mike Blake/Reuters
Seattle’s defense didn’t just show up Sunday night — it took over the Super Bowl.
The Seahawks delivered a dominant, suffocating performance on the game’s biggest stage, overwhelming the New England Patriots from the opening drive and cruising to a 29–13 victory in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Seattle’s defense set the tone early, forcing five punts, recording three sacks, and limiting the Patriots to just 51 total yards in the first half. The pressure never eased. By night’s end, the Seahawks had logged six sacks, forced multiple turnovers, and produced game-defining field goals.
Five of New England’s first six drives stalled against a relentless Seahawks front seven led by Derrick Hall, Byron Murphy, and defensive back Devon Witherspoon. Hall recorded the game’s first sack, chasing down rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who spent much of the night under siege.
Witherspoon and rookie Rylie Mills added sacks before halftime. Mills’ takedown stood out, as he powered through the heart of the Patriots’ offensive line to bring Maye down.
Seattle’s offense complemented the effort with steady production. Kicker Jason Myers scored 15 points on five field goals — of 33, 39, two from 41, and 26 yards — setting a Super Bowl record. While running back Kenneth Walker III earned Super Bowl MVP honors, Myers’ accuracy ensured the Seahawks would maintain control.
Walker powered Seattle’s ground game, finishing with 135 yards on 27 carries while repeatedly breaking tackles and extending drives. Quarterback Sam Darnold, the fourth starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl after playing for five or more teams, completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown.
Darnold’s lone scoring pass — a strike to tight end AJ Barner — extended Seattle’s lead to 19-0 and effectively put the game out of reach.
Maye finished 27-of-43 for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, but those numbers masked his struggles. He consistently missed targets under pressure and was rarely comfortable in the pocket.
The determining point came when Witherspoon delivered a strip-sack late in the game. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu scooped up the loose ball and raced 46 yards for a touchdown, putting an exclamation point on Seattle’s defensive dominance.
New England briefly found life in the fourth quarter. Maye connected with Mack Hollins on a 24-yard gain before hitting him again for a 35-yard touchdown. Andy Borregales’ extra point kick cut the deficit to 19–7 with 12:27 remaining.
Any hopes of a comeback fell short. Safety Julian Love intercepted Maye and returned the ball 36 yards to the New England 38, setting up another Myers’ field goal that increased the lead, 22–7. Moments later, Witherspoon struck again with his strip-sack, and Nwosu’s fumble return sealed the outcome.
The Patriots added a late touchdown with 2:20 left when Maye found running back Rhamondre Stevenson on a seven-yard scoring pass.
On a night built for stars, it was Seattle’s defense that shone brightest — fast, physical, and relentless from kickoff to confetti.