‘Battle Tested’ Seahawks Suffocate Patriots, Cement Place as All-Time Great Defense in Super Bowl Win
Approaching kickoff for Super Bowl LX, there wasn’t cloud in the sky as temperatures hovered around the low 70s, presenting idealistic conditions for the ultimate event in sports.
But then, the Seattle Seahawks’ “Darkside” defense took the field, bringing with them a violent storm that the New England Patriots simply weren’t prepared for and couldn’t weather.
It started with a flash in the form of a Derick Hall sack on the opening series, forcing a punt, followed by thunder as Devon Witherspoon came in unabated to hit Drake Maye and coax an ugly throwaway downfield, again forcing a punt. Lightning struck on the next possession as the cornerback got home this time with teammate Nick Emmanwori also collapsing the pocket, corralling the quarterback after shooting the B-gap untouched for a 10-yard sack that led to a third consecutive punt.
Rapid Reaction: Seahawks ‘Darkside’ Defense Handcuffs Patriots in 29-13 Super Bowl LX Victory
Orchestrating one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history, the Seattle Seahawks forced eight punts on their first nine defensive series, locking down the New England Patriots in historic fashion to secure a 29-13 victory and bring the second Lombardi Trophy to the Pacific Northwest.
Overcoming an uncharacteristically inaccurate performance from Sam Darnold, the Seahawks found more than enough offense behind AJ Barner’s 16-yard touchdown catch off a turnover, Ken Walker III’s 135 rushing yards, and five field goals from kicker Jason Myers. A suffocating defensive effort by coach Mike Macdonald’s squad bottled up and frazzled Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, with outside linebacker Derick Hall leading the charge sacking him twice and forcing a fumble that defensive tackle Byron Murphy II recovered in New England territory and Uchenna Nwosu returning an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to start the celebration.
Halftime Observations: Defenses Dominate as Seahawks Lead Patriots 9-0 in Super Bowl LX
With the Lombardi Trophy hanging in the balance, points will apparently be at a premium in Super Bowl LX as the Seattle Seahawks went into halftime nursing a slim 9-0 lead over the New England Patriots behind three Jason Myers field goals and a stingy, suffocating defensive effort.
What stood out from the first two quarters at Levis Stadium?
1. Ken Walker III runs like a Lamborghini on the Levis grass, but the Seahawks can’t get the car into the garage.
Playing in what could be his final game in a Seahawks uniform as free agency approaches next month, a motivated Walker revved up his engine and turned on the accelerators early and often, regularly leaving Patriots defenders in his wake after smooth, explosive cuts and filthy jump cut moves. On the first play from scrimmage, he bounced an inside zone run out wide to the perimeter, out-running multiple defenders towards the sideline before cutting upfield for a 10-yard gain to move the chains, helping start off a successful opening series that ended with Myers’ first field goal from 33 yards out.
Hawks Rewind: All-22 Breakdown of Seahawks’ 13-3 Win Over 49ers
Controlling the line of scrimmage in the run game and shutting down a potent 49ers offense, the Seahawks made a statement earning a first round bye in Santa Clara. Who shined brightest under the lights in a historic win for the franchise?
Halftime Observations: Seahawks Play Bully Ball, Take 10-3 Lead Over 49ers
Winning consistently at the line of scrimmage, the Seahawks kept leaning on the ground game to build a seven-point lead over the 49ers in the NFC West title game, though two botched drives loom large heading into the final two quarters.
Derick Hall Thriving as One of Seahawks’ Biggest Macdonald-Era Risers
The sack numbers haven’t been there yet for Derick Hall in 2025, but looking beyond that metric, it can be argued the third-year edge defender has been one of the most disruptive players on Mike Macdonald’s unit for the Seahawks this season.
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Take on Titans in Nashville
Entering Sunday’s road tilt as heavy favorites against the one-win Titans, the Seahawks should have several advantageous matchups working in their favor, though the underdogs may have a big one to lean on with the visitors dealing with offensive line injuries.
Comparing Rivals: How Do Seahawks, Rams’ Defenses Stack Up Against Each Other?
Racing out to 7-2 starts, the Seahawks and Rams have been stingy allowing points to opponents with ferocious defensive lines, underrated linebackers, and versatile secondaries. Where does each team hold an edge going into Sunday’s first matchup at SoFi Stadium?
WATCH: One Blockbuster Seahawks Could Still Make Before NFL Trade Deadline
The Seahawks already have a top-five caliber defense, but John Schneider always has his eyes on ways to improve the roster. Could he buck past trends by going all-in at the trade deadline for an elite pass rusher?
Seahawks Rule Out 5 Players For SNF Road Battle at Commanders
Headlined by Julian Love’s prolonged absence, early half a dozen players were ruled out by the Seahawks two days before kickoff, a sign that more moves could be coming in the next 24 hours as the team gears up for a tough road contest against the Commanders.
WATCH: Should Seahawks Swing Big at NFL Trade Deadline For Browns Superstar Myles Garrett?
The Seahawks already have one of the premier defensive lines in the NFL. But as the NFL trade deadline approaches, the possibility of adding one of the best players in the sport to that group continues to intrigue.
Progress Report: How Have Seahawks’ Defensive Position Groups Fared Through 7 Games?
Just outside the top five in scoring defense, the Seahawks have lived up to expectations in Mike Macdonald’s second season in many regards, but Ernest Jones and company still have a ways to go to play up to their high standards.
Seahawks Injury Updates: Devon Witherspoon Undergoing Imaging, Status Unclear
Licking their wounds after a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers, the Seahawks could have a few key defensive players returning this week, but Devon Witherspoon’s status remains one of potential concern.
Carved Up By Buccaneers, Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald Takes Responsibility For Defensive Letdown
Typically, scoring 35 points in an NFL game leads to victory. But the Seahawks endured an uncharacteristic off day at the wrong time with busted coverages, missed tackles, and an anemic pass rush that left Mike Macdonald seeking answers after a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers.
Rapid Reaction: Late Interception Dooms Seahawks in 38-35 Shootout Loss to Buccaneers
Despite over 340 passing yards and four touchdowns from Sam Darnold, one lone mistake from the quarterback cost the Seahawks in a tight, high-scoring affair as the Buccaneers escaped with a 38-35 win at Lumen Field.
Keys to Victory: How Seahawks BEAT Buccaneers in Week 5 Clash at Lumen Field
In a battle of 3-1 teams with depleted secondaries, what must the Seahawks accomplish to win a fourth straight game and send the Buccaneers back to Florida with a loss?
Key Matchups to Watch as Seahawks Host Buccaneers in Battle of 3-1 Teams
With the Seahawks and Buccaneers both dealing with several significant injuries, banged up secondaries will be challenged by talented receivers and the onus will fall on both defensive lines to set the tone rushing Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield as an equalizer.
Report Card: Top Performers From Seahawks’ 23-20 TNF Road Win vs. Cardinals
Escaping on a game-winning field goal by Jason Myers, the Seahawks improved their winning streak to three games fending off the Cardinals in a Thursday night thriller. Who starred under the lights in prime time?
What Seahawks Trade For Trey Hendrickson Could Look Like
Still seeking a new contract and frustrated with negotiations with the Bengals, Trey Hendrickson could be on the move before the start of the 2025 season. What could the Seahawks offer up for the star pass rusher?
5 Trade Proposals For Seahawks to Land Superstar Micah Parsons
John Schneider has made his fair share of all-in trades over the years, and while the rest of the NFL waits to see what happens with Micah Parsons in Dallas, the Seahawks could be the potential suitor with the best resources to pull off a deal for the perennial All-Pro.
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