The Seattle Seahawks have captured their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. In a stunning display of grit and defensive dominance, the Seahawks exercised the demons of their 2015 loss to New England, delivering a masterclass performance that cemented the legacy of their suffocating "Dark Side" defense. Led by Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III and the improbable redemption of quarterback Sam Darnold, Seattle controlled the game from the opening kickoff, leaving the Patriots and their quarterback Drake Maye searching for answers until the final whistle.
Kenneth Walker III Ends RB MVP Drought
For the first time since Terrell Davis in 1998, a running back has been named the Super Bowl MVP. Kenneth Walker III was the engine of the Seahawks' offense, rushing for a commanding 135 yards on 24 carries. Walker set the tone on the very first play from scrimmage, bursting left for a 10-yard gain that signaled Seattle's intent to physically overwhelm the New England front.
Walker’s explosive running style kept the Patriots' defense off-balance all night, allowing Seattle to control the clock and keep Drake Maye on the sideline. "We knew if we ran the ball, we’d win the game," Walker said during the trophy presentation. His performance wasn't just about stats; it was about demoralizing a Patriots defense that had been stout all season.
Sam Darnold: The Ultimate Redemption Story
Perhaps no storyline was more compelling than that of Sam Darnold. The former first-round pick, who had bounced around the league and faced the label of "draft bust," played the game of his life on the sport's biggest stage. Darnold didn't just manage the game; he made critical throws when it mattered most, including a pivotal 23-yard strike to offseason acquisition Cooper Kupp that set up a crucial second-half score.
Darnold finished with an efficient 215 passing yards and no turnovers, justifying the Seahawks' $100.5 million investment in him during free agency. His poise in the pocket against the Patriots' blitz packages was the difference-maker, completing a redemption arc that will go down in NFL history. "They wrote me off," Darnold told reporters, holding the Lombardi Trophy. "But I didn't write back."
The "Dark Side" Defense Suffocates New England
While the offense was efficient, the night belonged to the unit now fearfully known as the "Dark Side." The Seahawks' defense, which led the league in points allowed this season, completely smothered the Patriots' attack. New England rookie sensation Drake Maye looked rattled under the constant pressure, particularly from cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
The game's defining moment came late in the fourth quarter. With New England trying to mount a comeback, Witherspoon blitzed off the edge, delivering a crushing hit on Maye that forced an errant throw. Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu snatched the ball out of the air and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 29-7 and effectively sealing the victory. The unit forced three turnovers and held the Patriots to just 13 points, narrowly missing a historic Super Bowl shutout until a late garbage-time touchdown to Mack Hollins.
Jason Myers Sets New Super Bowl Record
Special teams played a massive role in building Seattle's insurmountable lead. Kicker Jason Myers etched his name into the NFL record books by converting a perfect five field goals, breaking the previous Super Bowl record. Myers was automatic from everywhere on the field, hitting from 33, 39, 41, 41, and a clutch 48-yarder that kept the scoreboard ticking even when drives stalled.
Myers' reliability forced the Patriots to play from behind all game, altering their play-calling and forcing them into risky situations that the "Dark Side" defense happily exploited. His record-breaking performance underscored a complete team win where every phase of the game contributed to the championship.
A New Dynasty in the NFC West?
With a young core led by Walker, Witherspoon, and a rejuvenated Darnold, the Seahawks look poised to contend for years to come. The Seahawks vs Patriots score 2026 will be remembered not just as a victory, but as the night Seattle officially turned the page on the past and established a new era of dominance in the NFL.
