The Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots with an unstoppable defensive performance, winning the Super Bowl 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium. The victory gave Seattle its second championship in franchise history.
Two of the NFL’s strongest defences faced off in the season’s biggest game, and Seattle controlled every aspect from the opening whistle. Briton Aden Durde became the first overseas coach to lead a team to victory in the United States’ premier football event.
Dark Side Defence Shines on the Big Stage
Seattle’s 46-year-old defensive coordinator has built the league’s most feared unit, nicknamed “the Dark Side.” In Santa Clara, California, the Patriots could not overcome the relentless pressure.
New England quarterback Drake Maye, a top MVP contender this season, struggled against Seattle’s aggressive pass rush. The Seahawks recorded six sacks, forced three turnovers, and scored a defensive touchdown.
After Seattle led 9-0 at halftime, Maye’s first turnover set up tight end AJ Barner’s touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu returned an interception for a 45-yard touchdown, while kicker Jason Meyers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals. The Patriots were denied a record seventh championship.
“We were the better team; we’re the best team. We loved each other and believed in each other, and now we’re champions,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said. “We went to the dark side tonight. Our players made it happen. They brought it to life.”
Seahawks Stifle MVP Contender
Most of the 70,823 fans supported Seattle, who entered the game as narrow favourites. The victory also completed quarterback Sam Darnold’s redemption story after years of doubt.
Seattle is Darnold’s fifth team in his eight-year career and his third in three seasons. In his first year with the Seahawks, the former third overall draft pick captured the league’s biggest prize.
Darnold had been haunted by a 2019 comment against the Patriots, saying “I’m seeing ghosts,” but he has now overcome those doubts. Maye, in contrast, faced Seattle’s fast, physical defence built by Durde and Macdonald over two seasons.
Defensive threats came from every direction. Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, and Rylie Mills combined for multiple first-half sacks, despite only 2.5 sacks among them all season. The Patriots managed just four first downs and 52 total yards before halftime. Social media joked that performer Bad Bunny gained more yards during the half-time show than New England did.
Hall’s second sack forced a fumble recovered by Byron Murphy, who also sacked Maye twice. The Dark Side has now joined Seattle’s historic defences, including the 2014 Legion of Boom.
“My teammates and coaches believed in me,” Darnold said. “From the first training camp, we worked every day. Shout-out to our offensive line and defence. This journey has been special. So much hard work went into it, and we achieved it.”
Patriots Denied Historic Milestone
New England reached their first Super Bowl since 2019 after quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick departed. The duo had led the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins, tying the NFL record with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mike Vrabel played in three of those victories.
After two 4-13 seasons, Vrabel returned as head coach, rebuilt the roster, and led the Patriots to a record-extending 12th Super Bowl appearance. Vrabel aimed to become the first man to win a Super Bowl as both player and coach with the same franchise, while Maye sought to become the youngest quarterback to lift the trophy.
Despite his league-leading pass completion rate, Maye could not escape Seattle’s defence. The Patriots failed to establish a running game or get star receiver Stefon Diggs involved.
Maye briefly gave New England hope by connecting with Mack Hollins for a touchdown, cutting the score to 19-7. Two interceptions later ended the game, leaving Rhamondre Stevenson’s late touchdown as only a consolation.
