The Seattle Seahawks avenged their 2015 Super Bowl defeat with a dominant defensive display, stifling the New England Patriots to claim their second championship title. A relentless pass rush and stout run defence limited the Patriots to just three points, as Seattle cruised to a decisive victory in Santa Clara.
Running back Kenneth Walker III earned MVP honours after rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries, providing the offensive engine for Seattle. Quarterback Sam Darnold completed his redemption arc, throwing for 202 yards and a touchdown, while the defence forced eight punts and a key fumble.
The Patriots, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, struggled to move the ball against Seattle's suffocating defence. Maye was sacked multiple times and completed only 45% of his passes, with New England's only points coming from a field goal. The Seahawks' pass rush, spearheaded by rookie defensive end Rylie Mills, consistently pressured Maye and disrupted the Patriots' offensive rhythm.
The game began as a defensive battle, with neither team able to establish sustained drives. Seattle took an early lead through a field goal, and the score remained 6-0 at halftime after a pair of Jason Myers kicks. Walker's explosive runs in the second quarter set up scoring opportunities, while the defence continued to stifle New England.
The Seahawks extended their lead in the second half with another Myers field goal and a touchdown pass from Darnold to Cooper Kupp, who made a key 23-yard catch earlier in the game. A fumble recovery by Byron Murphy II sealed the victory, as Seattle's defence held the Patriots scoreless for most of the contest.
