What the Texans Can Learn from the Seahawks’ Super Bowl Masterclass
Super Bowl LX wasn’t just a championship game-it was a clinic. The Seattle Seahawks didn’t just beat the New England Patriots, they dismantled them, 29-13, in a performance that reminded everyone why defense, discipline, and the fundamentals still matter in today’s pass-happy NFL.
If the Houston Texans were watching from home-and you have to believe they were-they saw a blueprint. A roadmap for what it takes to win it all. And while Houston’s future is bright, this Super Bowl laid bare the areas they must address if they want to take that next step in 2026.
Let’s break down four key lessons from Seattle’s dominant showing-and how they apply to a Texans team on the rise.
1. Defense Still Wins Championships
We’ve heard the phrase a thousand times, but the Seahawks just reminded us why it’s still true.
Seattle’s defense didn’t just show up-they took over. Six sacks.
Eight tackles for loss. Two interceptions, including a scoop-and-score that turned into a pick-six.
The Patriots didn’t get on the scoreboard until the fourth quarter, and by then, the game was already out of reach.
Drake Maye, New England’s promising young quarterback, was held to 240 yards on 22-of-37 passing with a pair of touchdowns-but also two costly turnovers and a 74.2 passer rating. This wasn’t just a bad day at the office. This was a complete shutdown by a defense that played fast, smart, and angry.
For Houston, the takeaway is clear: you’ve got the pieces on defense. Now it’s about building that same kind of edge, discipline, and depth that Seattle brought to the biggest stage.
2. Protect Your Quarterback-Or Pay the Price
Drake Maye’s postseason run was gutsy, no doubt. But it was also brutal. The Patriots’ offensive line was overwhelmed in every playoff game, and it finally caught up to them on Sunday.
Let’s talk numbers:
- 5 sacks allowed vs. the Chargers
- 5 more vs. the Texans
- Another 5 vs. the Broncos
- And then 6.5 sacks surrendered to Seattle in the Super Bowl
That’s 21.5 sacks in one postseason-the most in NFL history. More than Joe Burrow’s infamous 2021 run (19 sacks), and a glaring reminder of what happens when you can’t keep your quarterback upright.
The Texans have a rising star under center, but if they don’t shore up their offensive line this offseason, they risk putting him in the same situation. The talent is there-but protection has to be a priority.
3. The Run Game Still Matters
Kenneth Walker III didn’t find the end zone, but he didn’t need to. His 135 rushing yards on 27 carries were a statement. He kept Seattle ahead of the sticks, controlled the tempo, and wore down the Patriots’ front seven.
It was the most rushing yards in a Super Bowl since Terrell Davis’ 157-yard performance in 1998. And it came in an era when running backs are often treated like afterthoughts.
But Sunday proved what coaches and players have known for decades: when you can run the ball, you control the game.
For Houston, this one hits home. The Texans’ run game struggled down the stretch, and it showed in their playoff loss. If they want to be playing in next year’s finale, they’ll need a more consistent ground attack-whether that means upgrading the backfield, the line, or both.
4. Don’t Forget the Kicker
Jason Myers put on a kicking clinic in Santa Clara, going 5-for-5 on field goals and adding two PATs. That’s 17 of Seattle’s 29 points-more than half the total.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient. And in a league that’s increasingly aggressive on fourth down, Seattle’s willingness to take the points when they were there paid off.
We’ve seen it time and again: a reliable kicker can be the difference between heartbreak and hardware. From Adam Vinatieri to Justin Tucker, the great ones don’t just make kicks-they win games.
Houston has a solid kicker already. That’s a big box checked.
But Sunday was a reminder that special teams still matter. In close games-and playoff games-they might matter most.
The Bottom Line for Houston
The Texans are close. They’ve got a defense that can hang with anyone.
They’ve got a young quarterback with poise and playmaking ability. And they’ve got a kicker who can deliver in big moments.
But if Super Bowl LX taught us anything, it’s that you can’t be one-dimensional. You need an offensive line that can protect.
You need a run game that can take pressure off your quarterback. And you need to play smart, situational football from start to finish.
Seattle just showed the league how it’s done.
Now it’s up to Houston to take notes-and take the next step.