Robert Spillane’s Health Could Be the Key to a Patriots Super Bowl Upset
The New England Patriots are back on the biggest stage in football, and after a seven-year Super Bowl drought, they’ve got their eyes on a seventh Lombardi Trophy. But standing in their way is a powerhouse Seattle Seahawks squad-winners of the NFC West, 14-3 on the year, and entering Sunday’s showdown as 4.5-point favorites. And for good reason.
Seattle brings one of the league’s most balanced and explosive rosters to the table. With Offensive Player of the Year frontrunner Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading a dynamic passing attack and the NFL’s top-rated defense on the other side of the ball, the Seahawks aren’t just talented-they’re dangerous.
But what often gets overlooked is how much Seattle’s offense still leans on its ground game. And that’s where this matchup starts to get interesting.
Seattle’s Run Game: Heating Up at the Right Time
Kenneth Walker has been a bit of a slow burn this season. Through his first 14 games, he topped the 90-yard rushing mark just once.
But over the last five weeks, he’s hit that mark three times, giving Seattle a much-needed boost on the ground heading into the playoffs. His recent surge has been timely, especially with fellow back Zach Charbonnet dealing with an injury.
Still, Walker’s 3.3 yards per carry in last week’s game raises some eyebrows. The Seahawks may be committed to the run, but that doesn’t mean it’s been smooth sailing. With Charbonnet’s status uncertain, Seattle may need to lean even harder on Walker-and that could be a double-edged sword.
Why Robert Spillane’s Return Matters So Much
If the Patriots are going to slow down Seattle’s offense and keep this game within reach, it starts with the run defense. And that means all eyes are on linebacker Robert Spillane.
Spillane isn’t just another piece in New England’s front seven-he’s the glue. When he missed Week 15 against the Bills, James Cook gashed the Patriots for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
That wasn’t a fluke. With Spillane in the lineup, New England has rattled off 13 straight wins, including the postseason.
His presence in the middle of the defense has been nothing short of transformational.
Spillane is trending in the right direction after battling an ankle injury. Asked about his status, he said, *“We’re recovering.
We're getting better every day. We're on the right track where we need to be.
And the goal is, obviously, to go out there and be dominant.” * That’s the kind of mindset you want from your defensive anchor heading into the most important game of the year.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Seattle’s offense is at its best when the ground game is rolling. In games where they’ve had a 100-yard rusher, the Seahawks are averaging 34.3 points and are a perfect 5-0.
That’s not just a trend-it’s a formula. Shut down the run, and you make Seattle one-dimensional.
That’s exactly what the Patriots want.
New England has allowed just one 100-yard rusher all season when Spillane has been on the field. That stat alone should give Patriots fans hope. If Spillane is active and anywhere near full strength, he gives New England a fighting chance to neutralize Walker and disrupt Seattle’s rhythm.
The Bigger Picture
Sure, stopping Jaxon Smith-Njigba is going to be a challenge. And yes, taking care of the football is always a must in the Super Bowl. But if the Patriots want to pull off the upset, the path starts with winning the battle in the trenches-specifically, shutting down the run.
Robert Spillane might not be the flashiest name heading into Sunday, but he could very well be the difference-maker. If he’s healthy and flying around the field like he has all season, New England’s defense becomes a different animal. And in a game where every inch matters, that could be the edge the Patriots need.