By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Eleven years after the heartbreak of the one-yard line in Glendale, the Seattle Seahawks finally secured their redemption. In a gritty, defensive masterclass at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, the Seahawks dismantled the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
While the pre-game narrative focused on the “rematch of the century,” the game itself was far from a high-flying shootout. Instead, it was a throwback to the “Legion of Boom” era—a suffocating defensive performance that proved, once again, that defense wins championships.
The Game: Defense Reigns Supreme
From the opening kickoff, it was clear that points would be at a premium. The Patriots’ young star quarterback, Drake Maye, spent much of the night under heavy fire from a relentless Seattle pass rush. The Seahawks’ defensive front, led by Devon Witherspoon and Derick Hall, combined for eight sacks, never allowing Maye to find his rhythm.
The Seahawks’ offense, steered by veteran Sam Darnold, played a conservative but effective “complementary” style. Darnold (202 yards, 1 TD) avoided the catastrophic mistakes that plagued him in years past, focusing on short completions to AJ Barner and letting Kenneth Walker III (135 rushing yards) grind down the New England front.
However, the real story of the night was the foot of Jason Myers. In a performance for the ages, Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals, providing the steady stream of points that kept New England at arm’s length while the offenses struggled to find the end zone. With those field goals, Jason Myers surpasses LaDanion Tomlinson as the season high scoring leader including the playoffs.
Turning Points
The Strip-Sack: Late in the fourth quarter, with the Patriots trailing 22–7 and desperately trying to mount a comeback, Devon Witherspoon blew past the line for a strip-sack on Maye.
The Scoop and Score: Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu scooped up the loose ball and rumbled 45 yards for a touchdown. That play effectively “pulled the shade” on the Patriots’ hopes, extending the lead to 29–7.
The Interception: Earlier in the half, Julian Love’s interception of a Maye “prayer” pass set up Myers’ fifth record-breaking field goal, crushing any momentum New England had built.
Final Box Score & Key Stats
MVP: While a kicker rarely wins it, Jason Myers made a historic case. However, the honors likely go to the defensive collective, specifically Devon Witherspoon for his game-altering sacks and forced fumble.
Record: Jason Myers: 5/5 FGs (Super Bowl Record).
Patriots Bright Spot: Drake Maye showed flashes of brilliance with a late 35-yard TD to Mack Hollins, but the 6 sacks and 3 turnovers were too much to overcome.
The Verdict
Super Bowl LX won’t be remembered for offensive fireworks, but it will be cited by purists as a defensive masterpiece. For Seattle, it was a cleansing of the ghosts of Super Bowl XLIX. For New England, it was a sign that the Drake Maye era has promise, but isn’t quite ready for the summit.
It was a night where the “Dark Side” defense took center stage, and a kicker’s leg was the most dangerous weapon on the field.
Special Teams:
The punter and kickers stole the show to me. Six punts pinned the Patriots within the 10 yardline.
Five FGs, and two XPs by Jason Myers.
The Winning QB:
Sam Darnold became the first QB to win a Super Bowl out of that historic 2018 draft class. Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson were all first round picks. Darnold also becomes the first of 26 USC Trojan QBs drafted in the Super Bowl era to start and win a Lombardi.
SB LX MVP: Kenneth (K9) Walker III
