For the second time in franchise history, the Seahawks live on top of the NFL world.
Seattle beat the Patriots on the game’s biggest stage, adding to a loss they suffered against the same organization 11 years ago in Super Bowl XLIX.
The Seahawks defense was suffocated, holding New England under 100 total yards and a field goal until a few minutes into the final frame. Linebacker Derick Hall led a ferocious pass rush that kept Pats quarterback Drake Maye off balance for much of the contest, totaled two of the team’s six sacks and forced a fumble that led to Seattle’s first TD of the contest. Although the Seahawks offense was also slower, Seattle got enough from the legs of quarterback Kenneth Walker III and the legs of kicker Jason Myers to secure the win.
The loss will leave a bitter taste for the Patriots, who, led by head coach Mike Vrabel, were way ahead of schedule in the Super Bowl just six years after the Tom Brady era. With a star under center and balance up and down the roster, they will return next season ready to bounce back and prove to everyone that their run was nothing short of a fluke.
As for the Seahawks, there are now celebrations for the “Dark Side” defense and Sam Darnold, who has finally found a home with the Super Bowl champions.