The Seattle Seahawks clinched their second Super Bowl title, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13, as Mike Macdonald’s ferocious defensive unit, including Devon Witherspoon, Derick Hall, and Byron Murphy, relentlessly pummelled Drake Maye.
Offensively, Sam Darnold connected with AJ Barner for a touchdown, while Kenneth Walker III amassed 135 rushing yards. Kicker Jason Myers was flawless, converting all five of his field-goal attempts.
Uchenna Nwosu capped a punishing defensive display by intercepting Maye’s pass, after Witherspoon deflected it, and returning it 45 yards for a crucial pick-six.
Seattle’s "Dark Side" defence helped Darnold become the first quarterback from the 2018 draft class to win a Super Bowl, ahead of Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson.
Labeled a bust, dumped by two teams and considered expendable by two others, Darnold proved his doubters wrong while helping the Seahawks go 17-3.
After leading the NFL with 20 turnovers in the regular season, Darnold didn’t have any in three playoff games. He wasn’t particularly sharp against a solid Patriots defense but protected the ball and made enough plays, finishing 19 of 38 for 202 yards.
The Seahawks sacked Maye six times, including two apiece by Hall and Murphy. Hall’s strip-sack late in the third quarter set up a short field and Darnold connected with Barner on 16-yard scoring toss to make it 19-0.
Julian Love’s interception set up another field goal that made it 22-7 with 5:35 left.
The Patriots (17-4) punted on the first eight drives, excluding a kneel-down to end the first half.
