SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
HEADLINES
Maye, offense completely dominated by Seahawks' defense: When Seattle took a 19-0 lead with 13:24 to play, the Patriots had five first downs, 78 total yards on 39 plays, were 2 of 11 on third down, Drake Maye (8 of 18, 60 yards, five sacks) had as many completions as Bryce Baringer had punts (eight). The Seahawks were just dominating up front as the line struggled to protect, and Maye got really sped up. He continued a poor postseason with his worst performance, until they added a touchdown with two big throws with 12:27 left. And then he threw a bad interception with about nine minutes that about ended things, and then he was strip-sacked for a pick-sx that really ended things at 29-7.
SEAHAWKS DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWN FOR UCHENNA NWOSU OMG Super Bowl LX on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/9FPzCiciQt— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026
Defense did their darnedest, but finally broke: While the offense was doing nothing but punting, the defense held Seattle 4 of 14 on third downs, 0 of 3 in the red zone until the touchdown, and four field goals. They got pressure on Sam Darnold, who wasn't very good (less than 50% completions). If Darnold were better and not underthrowing receivers or behind them, this would have been over by halftime. Christian Gonzalez (three pass breakups), Craig Woodson (team-high 10 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 passes defended). The only person the defense didn't have an answer for was RB Kenneth Walker, who had over 130 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry.
Darnold dot. Super Bowl LX on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/cxGVIYyP1r— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026
Offensive line gets beat up: Maye was sacked a Super Bowl record seven times in the game and he was pressured on 46% of his snaps, despite the Seahawks blitzing just 18% of the time. The entire line was victimized, but Will Campbell and Jared Wilson really struggled.
TURNING POINT
The Barner touchdown. That basically put it away.
SECOND GUESS
There will be a lot of them on the offensive side of the ball, but I'm going to need to review the film to have real thoughts. It seemed like Josh McDaniels tried just about everything, but when the pressure rate is like 46% and the quarterback gets sped up, there's not a lot you can do. I am surprised they didn't use jumbo more in this game.
THREE UP
S Craig Woodson: The rookie safety was all over the place and made several key tackles and pass break ups.
CB Christian Gonzalez: Had three pass breakups that prevented big plays. Jaxson Smith-Njigba missed time in the second half with a concussion.
DT Milton Williams: Led the team with four pressures and one sack.
THREE DOWN
QB Drake Maye: Just wasn't very good at all. Got sped up, missed some easy throws, held the ball at times. Turned it over three times.
LT Will Campbell: Really struggled with everything in this game, even though PFF only has him for three pressures allowed. What?
WR Stefon Diggs: Didn't do anything in this game (2 catches for 31 yards in garbage time), as the physicality of the Seahawks secondary erased him from the game.
INJURIES
LB Jahlani Tavai (shoulder): Returned to the game.
TE Hunter Henry (head): Shaken up near the end of the game.
TOP PLAYS
Drake Maye airs it out to Mack Hollins for a TD! Super Bowl LX on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/d4U8Ygkl08— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026
Rhamondre makes the catch for a New England touchdown with 2:21 remaining Super Bowl LX on NBC Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/UblcJHTf6x— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2026
TWO TAKES BEDARD WILL PROBABLY REGRET LATER
Not worried about Maye: This is going to leave a mark for the young quarterback, especially a very rough postseason, but I think he'll use this as fuel to come back even better. He definitely has some things to work on, but he had a terrific season, and the end does not diminish that.
Give Seattle its flowers: I guess the national experts were right. That is a hell of a team the Seahawks have. They are very talented and completely dominated in all three phases. Even their special teams were awesome. On defense, they got pressure and did a good job against the run. The secondary was awesome. Didn't think Darnold was good, but Kenneth Walker and their line did a surprisingly good job. Mike Macdonald, his staff, and GM John Schneider did a great job. The Patriots got beaten by the better team. Simple as that.
