The Seattle Seahawks’ dominant defense stifled the New England Patriots in a lopsided 29-13 win on Sunday as the Seahawks claimed their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.
The game was a defensive struggle throughout the first three quarters. A quartet of field goals by Seahawks kicker Jason Myers represented the only points as Seattle took a 12-0 lead into the final frame.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold failed to impress, with drives routinely stalling in Patriots territory. On the other sideline, MVP finalist Drake Maye struggled through his worst game of the season for New England.
Running back Kenneth Walker III shouldered the offensive load for Seattle’s methodical marches downfield. He gained 135 yards on 27 carries, relying on a slow and methodical running style that matched the slugfest of the Super Bowl.
With 10 seconds left in the third quarter, the Seahawks sacked Maye for a fifth time. The Patriots’ second-year signal-caller lost the ball, giving Seattle a chance to take a commanding lead.
Darnold capitalized. He found tight end AJ Barner in the end zone less than two minutes into the fourth quarter for the game’s first touchdown as Seattle took a 19-0 advantage.
The Patriots’ comeback attempts fell short. Maye finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter, but a pair of late interceptions doomed New England.
Seattle linebacker Uchenna Nwosu — thanks to pressure from teammate Devon Witherspoon — intercepted Maye and returned the ball 45 yards for a touchdown with less than five minutes remaining in the game.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald secured a title in just his second season in Seattle. He led an offseason overhaul as the franchise added Darnold as a free agent over the summer. Macdonald trusted the former first-round pick as Seattle traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The gamble paid off.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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