Darnold’s 5th Team 1st SB Win
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara Ca.
By Shara Talia Taylor
Maye Hawked All Game By Seattle
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
Levi’s Stadium Santa Clara Ca.
It was a disappointing conclusion to a triumphant season for the New England Patriots as they were overpowered by the Seattle Seahawks in a 29-13 loss in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
The Patriots shifted their strategy after halftime and had some success, but the Seahawks, confident with their 12-0 lead at the end of the third quarter, also amplified their tactics. The Patriots struggled as they tried to get around a relentless defense that delivered six quarterback sacks and two interceptions, on quarterback Drake Maye, while Seattle’s placekicker Jason Myers, running back and Most Valuable Player of the game Kenneth Walker III, and quarterback Sam Darnold helped lead the Seahawks to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history.
“We had a really, really good year and one that I am proud of, and this game is not a reflection of our year,” said New England Patriots Mike Vrabel. “We lost and we were beat, out-coached and out-played and give them credit.”
New England trailed 3-0 at the end of the first quarter, 9-0 at halftime, and 12-0 at the end of the third quarter.
“We got to get in the drives better offensively,” said Vrabel. “Defensively, we’ve been really good against the run lately and we weren’t. We were just playing catch up and we did a great job in the red-zone, and we competed, but unfortunately, I think the turnovers ultimately costed us.”
The Patriots defense was able to hold the Seahawks to only field goals in the first three quarters, four successful kicks by Myers. Myers, who previously played with Darnold on the New York Jets in 2018, now holds the record for the most field goals made in a single Super Bowl after making five total on Sunday.
The Patriots defense was able to limit the Seahawks with 61 combined tackles and assists in the game compared to the Seahawks 54 combined tackles and assists.
The Patriots were aware and complimentary of Seattle’s defensive success, noted in interviews ahead of Sunday’s game, but were also confident in their own abilities.
Despite Losing Vrable Proud Of His Team
Photo: Michael Henriquez – NY Beacon
Levi’s Stadium Santa Clara Ca.
“You see the defensive linemen playing the way that we would like to play and that we do play with, and they play with the technique that we talk about,” Vrabel said about Seattles’ defense. “They’re not afraid to come and attack the football, and so they’ve done that really well this year.”
Ernest Jones IV led Seattle’ defense with 11 combined tackles and assists.
“As a defense, we take pride in stopping offenses and we’ve been calling ourselves the ‘dark side,” said Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams. “I think we still did put a stamp on who we are and put a stamp on the dark side, but we were definitely seeking that goose egg.”
Craig Woodson led the Patriots’ defense with 10 combined tackles and assists
Maye said Thursday that he had intended to play by instinct when deciding to throw or use his legs against the Seahawks. He attempted 11 throws in the first half of Sunday’s game and attempted 32 throws in the second half of the game. He threw two touchdown passes in the 4th quarter.
“It was nine zero,” Maye said about halftime. “So there wasn’t too much panic. I thought the guys had a good belief in getting back there and getting it done.”
Vrabel felt the Patriots started better in the second half. “Recognize the things that were happening and where mistakes were being made and how we needed not have negative yardage plays and be able to not put ourselves behind the chains and stay positive,” he said about the changes being made.
For the Patriots offense, wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught five of the seven passes thrown his way for 45 yards, running back Rhamondre Stevenson caught five passes for 40 yards, wide receiver Mack Hollins caught four passes for 78 yards, and wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught three for only 37 yards. Hawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp caught six passes for 61 yards.
Darnold completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards, threw one touchdown, and had zero interceptions in the Super Bowl. It was his first NFL championship and the first for the Seahawks since 2014. Maye completed 27-of-43 passes for 295 yards and threw two touchdowns in the game,
“You’re going to have times like this and it’s how you bounce back,” Maye said. “I think all those guys in that locker room are going to use this as fuel and I think, you’ll go to war with those guys anytime, any day, anywhere. It’s motivation to get back here.”
Vrabel said he told his team that it’s ok to be disappointed. He said his message to his team was that he was appreciative, proud and grateful to coach them.
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