Super Bowl LX: No Stars? No Problem for Seahawks and Patriots
If you're scanning the rosters for Super Bowl LX expecting a galaxy of household names, you might come up short. But don’t let the lack of marquee stars fool you - the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots have earned their spots in Santa Clara, and they’ve done it the hard way: with discipline, depth, and coaching that’s been nothing short of elite.
This isn’t your typical Super Bowl matchup packed with MVPs and perennial Pro Bowlers. Instead, it’s a showcase of two well-constructed teams that have leaned into their identities and outperformed expectations. And while the national spotlight may not be blinding just yet, the foundation being laid in both Seattle and New England could set the stage for something special in the years to come.
Seahawks: Top-Heavy with Talent
When you break down the starting lineups - 44 players total, factoring in primary starters and some injury considerations - the Seahawks come out ahead in terms of raw talent. Of the top 10 players on the field Sunday, seven wear Seattle blue.
Stretch that list to 20, and 12 are Seahawks. That’s a significant edge.
Leading the way is wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who’s emerged as the most dynamic player in this game. He’s the kind of weapon who can flip a game with a single route, and his ability to separate and create after the catch has been a nightmare for defenses all season.
Quarterback Sam Darnold, who checks in at No. 10 on the list, might not have the flashiest résumé, but he’s been efficient and composed when it’s mattered most. In fact, he’s arguably outplayed his counterpart during the postseason.
Patriots: Quarterback-Driven and Gritty
That counterpart, of course, is New England’s Drake Maye - ranked second overall. Maye turned in an MVP-caliber regular season, showing poise, arm talent, and the kind of leadership that makes you believe he’s the long-term answer in Foxborough.
But in the playoffs, he’s looked more human. The throws have been a tick late, the reads a little rushed.
Still, if he gets hot on Sunday, he’s got the tools to take over.
New England may not have the same depth of top-tier talent as Seattle, but they’re not limping into this game. Their defense has been rock-solid all year, and when you look at the full 44-man breakdown, there’s no shortage of contributors who’ve stepped up in big moments.
Defense Wins in February
Both defenses deserve a ton of credit for getting their teams here. While the offenses have had their moments, it’s the play on the other side of the ball that’s been the backbone. Whether it’s Seattle’s rangy secondary or New England’s aggressive front seven, expect this game to be shaped by pressure, turnovers, and field position.
And while neither offensive line is dominant, both units have held their own - enough to give their quarterbacks a fighting chance. That’s all you can ask for when the margins are this thin.
A Glimpse Into the Future?
This Super Bowl might not have the wattage of past matchups, but it offers something else: a look at two franchises on the rise. The Seahawks and Patriots are ahead of schedule, led by young quarterbacks, strong coaching, and rosters that are still developing.
They may not have the star power just yet, but they’ve got something just as important - momentum, identity, and belief. And if Sunday’s game is any indication, the stars might not be missing - they might just be in the making.