Super Bowl 60 Recap: Defense, Field Position, and a Throwback Finish in Las Vegas
The NFL has spent years building a league that revolves around quarterbacks and high-octane passing attacks. But Super Bowl 60? That was a reminder that defense, special teams, and a punishing ground game still have a seat at the championship table.
In a throwback performance that felt more like something out of the mid-90s than today’s aerial era, the Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots with a blueprint built on physicality, precision, and control. The final score might not have thrilled fantasy football fans, but for anyone who appreciates the full scope of football’s three phases, it was a masterclass.
Seahawks Defense Sets the Tone
Seattle’s defense came out swinging and never let up. They held New England scoreless for three quarters, forced three turnovers, and sacked rookie quarterback Drake Maye six times.
Maye, playing through a pre-game injection in his throwing shoulder, was visibly emotional on the sidelines after a rough outing. It was a tough watch, but a clear sign of just how relentless Seattle's front seven was.
The Seahawks didn’t just pressure Maye - they overwhelmed him. Their defensive line won at the point of attack, and their coverage on the back end left few, if any, easy windows. It was the kind of performance that echoes through a franchise’s history.
Kenneth Walker III Runs Into the Record Books
Offensively, the Seahawks leaned on Kenneth Walker III, and he delivered in a big way. Walker accounted for nearly half of Seattle’s total yardage - 161 of their 335 total yards - and became the first running back to earn Super Bowl MVP honors since Terrell Davis in 1997.
Walker ran with vision, burst, and power, consistently churning out tough yards against a Patriots defense that struggled to get off the field. In a game where big passing plays were hard to come by, Walker’s consistency kept the chains moving and the clock ticking.
Special Teams: The Unsung Heroes
If you’re looking for the true X-factor in this Super Bowl, look no further than Seattle’s special teams unit. Kicker Jason Myers was perfect, drilling five field goals and setting a new Super Bowl record in the process. But the real MVP candidate - depending on how you view the game - might’ve been punter Michael Dickson.
Dickson was surgical. Seven punts, a 47.9-yard average, and three downed inside the 10-yard line - including two inside the 5. In a game where field position was everything, Dickson flipped the field time and again, putting New England in a bind and making life even tougher for Maye and the Patriots’ offense.
The 15 total punts tied for the second most in a Super Bowl this century, and while that might not scream excitement to the casual viewer, for football purists, it was a showcase in discipline and execution.
A “Boring” Game? Maybe. But a Statement, Too.
Let’s be honest: if you polled most fans, the word “boring” might come up more than once when describing Super Bowl 60. And that’s fair - this wasn’t a fireworks show. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t compelling.
This game was a reminder that even in an era designed for offense - with rules tilted toward quarterbacks and receivers - a dominant defense and elite special teams can still win championships. The Seahawks proved that with a performance that was as methodical as it was physical.
And while the 42 total points scored were far from the lowest in Super Bowl history (remember that 13-3 slog in 2018?), it was clear that defense won this round. Balance, as always, remains the key to building a champion.
Seahawks Open as 2026 Favorites - Patriots Have Work to Do
With the Lombardi Trophy now in hand, Seattle opens as the early favorite heading into 2026. Meanwhile, the Patriots - who made an impressive run to the big game behind their rookie quarterback - aren’t even the betting public’s second choice. That spot belongs to the Rams, who will be a team to watch closely this offseason.
Klint Kubiak Heads to Vegas
Just moments after the confetti settled, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak confirmed he’s heading to Las Vegas to become the next head coach of the Raiders. It’s a full-circle moment - Kubiak lifted the Lombardi in the same building where his father, Gary, won it a decade ago.
At 38, Kubiak will take on his first head coaching role after bouncing between six teams in six seasons. He’s expected to bring some Seattle assistants with him, though with the Raiders’ staff coming together later than most, there’s still plenty to figure out.
With the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, Kubiak and the Raiders are officially on the clock.
What’s Next: Key Offseason Dates
The final whistle of the Super Bowl doesn’t just end a season - it kicks off the next one. Here’s what to keep an eye on as the offseason ramps up:
NFL Combine: February 23-March 2
The annual scouting showcase heads back to Indianapolis.
Last year, Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori turned heads there. Who’s next?
Franchise Tag Deadline: March 3
George Pickens is the biggest name in the tag conversation.
If the Cowboys use it, he’ll carry a projected $28.8 million cap hit. Otherwise, he could be looking at a deal in the range of D.K.
Metcalf’s $33 million per year.
Free Agency: Legal Tampering Begins March 9
Official signings start March 11, but the action begins two days earlier. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is expected to command the biggest deal, with Packers backup Malik Willis also drawing interest.
NFL Draft: April 23-25
Pittsburgh will host the 2026 NFL Draft.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza headlines the class, but it gets murky after that. Keep an eye on Ohio State safety Caleb Downs - a potential star at a position that doesn’t always get top billing.
Quick Hits
📺 Best QB on Sunday? Maybe it was NBC’s Mike Tirico, who called the game with poise and polish before pivoting straight into Winter Olympics coverage.
🎤 Halftime Vibes: Bad Bunny brought the energy, even if some of the lyrics flew over viewers’ heads. The performance got high marks from those in attendance.
📼 Most-Clicked Moment of the Season: Once again, the legendary Colts special teams sequence takes the crown. Six straight newsletters can’t be wrong.
That’s a wrap on an unforgettable season. We’ll be back twice a week through the offseason, breaking down every move, every rumor, and every draft riser.
Thanks for riding with us - and buckle up. The next few months are going to be busy.