Eleven years after the heartbreak of Super Bowl XLIX, the Seattle Seahawks returned to the grandest stage to face the New England Patriots, and this time, the story ended in a resounding 29-13 victory for the NFC champions. Super Bowl LX was not a dramatic thriller like its 2015 predecessor, but rather a display of total dominance, with Seattle riding a ferocious defense and stellar special teams to their second championship in franchise history.
The Seahawks, led by a revamped, aggressive defensive unit, suffocated the Patriots from the opening kickoff. The “Dark Side” made life miserable for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, racking up six sacks and creating three crucial turnovers. Here are the five key moments that defined the Seahawks’ dominant win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Key Moments Defining the Seahawks’ Super Bowl Dominance
1. Jason Myers Sets the Tone with Historical Accuracy
The Patriots’ defense managed to keep the game respectable in the early going, but they could not stop Seattle’s methodical scoring. Kicker Jason Myers set a new Super Bowl record by converting five field goals, providing a consistent, crushing blow to New England’s morale. By hitting field goals of 33, 39 and 41 yards in the first half, Myers helped the Seahawks build a 9-0 halftime lead without needing a touchdown, putting immense pressure on a Patriots offense that had only four first downs in the first two quarters.
2. The Third-Quarter Strip-Sack by Derick Hall
Leading 9-0 to start the second half, the Seahawks’ defense maintained their relentless pressure. Late in the third quarter, Derick Hall broke through and strip-sacked Maye, forcing a turnover that finally broke the dam. The fumble was recovered by Leonard Williams, setting up a short-field opportunity for the Seattle offense. This turnover shifted the game from a low-scoring defensive struggle into a commanding Seahawks lead.
3. The 16-Yard TD Pass to AJ Barner
Immediately following the fumble recovery, the Seahawks capitalized on the mistake. Sam Darnold, playing efficiently, orchestrated a quick drive, finding tight end AJ Barner for a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter. This touchdown pushed the score to 19-0, a gap that felt insurmountable given the Patriots’ inability to move the ball. This moment solidified that the game was firmly in Seattle’s control, capping a long stretch of dominance.
4. Julian Love’s Interception Breaks the Comeback Hopes
The Patriots did attempt a brief rally, scoring a touchdown to make it 19-7. However, on the ensuing drive, Maye took a deep shot that was intercepted by Seahawks safety Julian Love. Love returned the pick 35 yards, again putting the Seattle offense in prime position to score. This crucial turnover halted any momentum New England had built and set up Myers’ record-setting fifth field goal, effectively sealing the game.
5. Uchenna Nwosu’s 45-Yard Pick-Six
With the Patriots fighting for a miracle late in the game, the Seahawks’ defense delivered the final knockout blow. On a blitz, Devon Witherspoon pressured Maye just as he was releasing the ball, leading to a deflected pass. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu snatched the ball out of the air and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. This pick-six extended the lead to 29-7 and ignited a massive celebration, turning the final minutes into a victory lap for the Seahawks and cementing the 29-13 final.
Final Thoughts
Super Bowl LX was a masterclass in modern defense, highlighted by six sacks of Maye and a 135-yard rushing performance from Kenneth Walker, earning him MVP honors. The Seahawks didn’t just beat the Patriots; they dictated the pace, won the battle in the trenches, and avenged the Super Bowl XLIX loss in absolute fashion.
Main Image: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
