Seahawks Overpower Patriots 29–13 to Claim Second Super Bowl Title

February 8, 2026 - SANTA CLARA, Cal. - The Seattle Seahawks delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in Super Bowl history on Sunday night, defeating the New England Patriots 29–13 at Levi's Stadium to capture the franchise's second Lombardi Trophy. The win also avenged Seattle's infamous last‑minute loss to New England in Super Bowl XLIX eleven years earlier.

A Defensive Masterclass From Start to Finish

Seattle's "Dark Side" defense controlled the game from the opening kickoff. The Seahawks forced the Patriots to punt on their first eight possessions, repeatedly collapsing the pocket around quarterback Drake Maye and eliminating any rhythm New England tried to establish. Seattle sacked Maye six times, forced three turnovers, and held the Patriots scoreless until the fourth quarter.

Linebacker Derick Hall set the tone with a strip sack in the third quarter, recovered by defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, which set up Seattle's first touchdown. Minutes later, cornerback Devon Witherspoon hit Maye's arm on a throw, popping the ball into the air for Uchenna Nwosu, who returned it 45 yards for a pick‑six that effectively sealed the game.

Kenneth Walker III Earns MVP Honors

While the defense dominated, running back Kenneth Walker III powered the offense and earned Super Bowl MVP. Walker rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries, becoming the first running back to eclipse 50 rushing yards against New England's defense all postseason. His steady production kept Seattle ahead on the scoreboard even as the Patriots limited explosive plays.

Kicker Jason Myers added five field goals - a Super Bowl record - providing the bulk of Seattle's early scoring and giving the Seahawks a 12–0 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Sam Darnold Delivers a Redemption Performance

Quarterback Sam Darnold, once labeled a journeyman, played a clean, composed game. He completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and a touchdown, avoiding turnovers and managing the offense effectively against a Patriots defense that repeatedly tightened in the red zone. His 16‑yard touchdown pass to AJ Barner early in the fourth quarter broke the game open.

Patriots' Late Push Falls Short

New England finally broke through in the fourth quarter when Maye connected with Mack Hollins for a 35‑yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 19–7. But back‑to‑back interceptions on the next two drives ended any hope of a comeback. Maye finished with 295 yards and two touchdowns, but his 79.1 passer rating reflected the pressure he faced all night.

A New Era for Seattle

The victory capped a remarkable season for first‑year head coach Mike Macdonald, whose defensive pedigree reshaped Seattle into one of the NFL's most suffocating units. The Seahawks finished the year 17–3 and now stand as one of the league's most complete teams heading into 2026.

For Seattle fans, the win represents both redemption and renewal - a return to championship form built not on nostalgia for the Legion of Boom, but on a new generation of defensive stars.