Super Bowl LX: Seahawks Dominate, Broncos Left Wondering What Could’ve Been
The Seattle Seahawks are Super Bowl champions-and they didn’t just win, they overwhelmed the New England Patriots. Don’t let the final score sugarcoat it: this was a one-sided affair for most of the night.
The Patriots didn’t get on the board until the fourth quarter, and by that point, the game was already out of reach. What we saw wasn’t just a win-it was a statement.
Seattle’s defense was locked in from the jump, suffocating New England’s offense for nearly 50 minutes. The Patriots couldn’t find rhythm, couldn’t protect the quarterback, and couldn’t move the chains. By the time they finally showed signs of life, the Seahawks were already coasting.
For New England, the loss was more than just a bad night-it exposed a larger truth about the AFC picture this season. And while the Patriots were the ones on the field, the team watching from home might’ve had the most to say about it: the Denver Broncos.
Denver’s Case as the Real AFC Power
Let’s be clear-the Broncos have every reason to feel like they were the best team in the AFC this season. Their campaign was built on grit, resilience, and a defense that showed up week after week.
But in the AFC Championship Game, they were without their rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who sat out with an ankle injury. That absence was massive.
And watching the Patriots struggle on the biggest stage only reinforces what many around the league already believed: if Nix had been healthy, Denver could’ve-and maybe should’ve-been in that Super Bowl.
The Patriots, meanwhile, had things break their way all season. A favorable schedule, a handful of close wins, and then the biggest break of all-facing a Broncos team without its starting quarterback in the AFC title game. That’s not to take anything away from New England’s season, but it’s hard to ignore how much the stars aligned for them.
Drake Maye, the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, looked overwhelmed against Seattle’s defense. The moment was big, and the Seahawks made it feel even bigger.
Maye struggled to read coverages, missed throws, and never looked comfortable in the pocket. It was the kind of performance that raises questions-not just about the player, but about how tested this team really was coming into the Super Bowl.
Broncos Enter the Offseason With Fuel
For Denver, this loss stings-even if it’s not officially theirs. They were built to contend, and for most of the season, they looked the part.
But injuries are part of the game, and the timing couldn’t have been worse. Still, the takeaway is clear: the Broncos were right there.
And heading into the offseason, they have a real opportunity to build on what they’ve started.
They’ve got cap space to work with and a young core that’s already proven it can compete with the best. With a first-place schedule coming next season, the margin for error shrinks-but so does the doubt.
This is a team that knows what it’s capable of. Now it’s about staying healthy, making smart additions, and finishing the job.
Looking Ahead
Super Bowl LX will be remembered for Seattle’s dominance. But in Denver, it’ll also be remembered as the one that got away.
The Broncos didn’t lose the game-but they lost the chance to play in it. And after watching the Patriots fall flat on the biggest stage, it’s hard not to think they would’ve put up a better fight.
The AFC crown may belong to New England on paper, but in the eyes of many, the Broncos were the conference’s true heavyweight this season. Now, it’s about turning that belief into results-and making sure next year, they’re the ones holding the trophy.