SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Everything you need to know from the Patriots’ loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis:
Maye, offense completely dominated by Seahawks’ defense: When Seattle took a 19-0 lead with 13:24 to play, the Patriots had five first downs, 78 total yards on 39 plays, were 2 of 11 on third down, Drake Maye (8 of 18, 60 yards, five sacks) had as many completions as Bryce Baringer had punts (eight). The Seahawks were just dominating up front as the line struggled to protect, and Maye got really sped up. He continued a poor postseason with his worst performance, until they added a touchdown with two big throws with 12:27 left. And then he threw a bad interception with about nine minutes that about ended things, and then he was strip-sacked for a pick-sx that really ended things at 29-7.
Defense did their darnedest, but finally broke: While the offense was doing nothing but punting, the defense held Seattle 4 of 14 on third downs, 0 of 3 in the red zone until the touchdown, and four field goals. They got pressure on Sam Darnold, who wasn’t very good (less than 50% completions). If Darnold were better and not underthrowing receivers or behind them, this would have been over by halftime. Christian Gonzalez (three pass breakups), Craig Woodson (team-high 10 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 passes defended). The only person the defense didn’t have an answer for was RB Kenneth Walker, who had over 130 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry.
Offensive line gets beat up: Maye was sacked a Super Bowl record seven times in the game and he was pressured on 46% of his snaps, despite the Seahawks blitzing just 18% of the time. The entire line was victimized, but Will Campbell and Jared Wilson really struggled.
The Barner touchdown. That basically put it away.
