Winners and Losers from Super Bowl LX: Lessons from a Defensive Masterclass
Super Bowl LX delivered a clear message: Defense still wins championships. The Seattle Seahawks captured their second Lombardi Trophy with a commanding 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots, using relentless pressure, timely turnovers, and a dominant ground game to control the biggest stage in football.
Beyond the final score, the game produced clear winners and losers—both on the field and in the broader NFL landscape.
The Winners
Seattle Seahawks Defense
If there was a defining force in Super Bowl LX, it was Seattle’s defense. The Seahawks consistently harassed Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, recording multiple sacks and forcing critical turnovers that shifted momentum throughout the game.
The pressure never allowed New England’s offense to find rhythm, turning the championship into a defensive showcase and reaffirming Seattle’s identity as a physical, opportunistic team.
Kenneth Walker III
Seattle’s running back delivered a championship performance and was named Super Bowl MVP. Walker rushed for 135 yards, controlling the tempo and keeping the Patriots defense on the field.
His performance marked a rare moment in modern football, becoming the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP in decades and proving that elite rushing still has a place in the NFL’s biggest game.
Jason Myers
The Seahawks kicker quietly made history by converting five field goals, setting a Super Bowl record and providing consistent scoring when touchdowns were limited.
In a game dominated by defense, his reliability ensured Seattle kept widening the gap.
Sam Darnold’s Redemption
Once labeled a disappointment, Sam Darnold completed his career turnaround by leading Seattle to a championship. He didn’t need a flashy performance, just steady leadership and one key touchdown pass to guide the Seahawks to victory.
Winning a Super Bowl in his first season with Seattle cemented one of the league’s most impressive comeback stories.
The Losers
Drake Maye and the Patriots Offense
The Patriots entered the game with high hopes, but their offense struggled against Seattle’s relentless defense. Maye was pressured constantly, turned the ball over multiple times, and never fully settled into the game.
Despite flashes late, the damage had already been done. For the young quarterback, the loss becomes a valuable, but painful learning experience early in his career.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
New England’s biggest downfall came from mistakes. Turnovers led directly to Seattle points, and the Patriots fell behind early, forcing them to play from behind against an elite defense, a difficult recipe for success in any Super Bowl.
Stefon Diggs and the Passing Game
The Patriots’ top receiving threats were largely neutralized, highlighting the offense’s inability to create explosive plays when they mattered most.
The Bigger Picture
Super Bowl LX showcased two contrasting storylines. For Seattle, it was redemption and validation, a second championship powered by defense, toughness, and resilience. For New England, it was the end of a remarkable season that fell just short of history.
The Patriots still proved they are contenders moving forward, with a young quarterback and strong foundation. Meanwhile, the Seahawks reminded the football world that championships are still built on defense, discipline, and execution under pressure.
Source: USA Today
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
