Eleven years ago, the Patriots and Seahawks battled in one of the most unforgettable Super Bowls of the modern era. Just 16 months ago, they met again. And now, as we head into Super Bowl LX, the landscape has shifted dramatically - especially for Seattle.
After missing the playoffs last season, the Seahawks have stormed back with a vengeance. At 14-3, they’ve been one of the most complete teams in football, ranking second in scoring offense and first in scoring defense.
They haven’t lost a game by more than four points all year - and that includes a season-opening loss to the 49ers, a team they later dismantled by 35 in the divisional round. In the NFC Championship, they edged the Rams 31-27, winning the rubber match against a division rival that had beaten them earlier in the season.
At the center of Seattle’s resurgence? Sam Darnold.
Yes, that Sam Darnold. The former Jets quarterback, long written off as a cautionary tale, has reinvented himself in the Pacific Northwest.
He's now one of the most accurate passers in the league, especially on intermediate and deep throws. By touchdown passes, completion percentage, and PFF grades, Darnold has carved out a spot among the NFL’s top-tier quarterbacks.
But it’s not all clean - his 14 interceptions and 12 fumbles this season are reminders that ball security remains a work in progress.
Still, the numbers tell a compelling story: 67.7% completion rate, 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns in the regular season. That’s a long way from the erratic play that once defined his career.
And he’s been the most high-profile change in a Seahawks lineup that saw nearly 50% turnover last offseason under second-year head coach Mike MacDonald. The Seahawks also brought in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak - formerly with the Saints - who’s already drawing head coaching interest.
Of course, Darnold’s job is made easier when you’ve got a weapon like Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN has been nothing short of elite this year.
With 119 catches for a league-best 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, he’s made the leap from promising prospect to arguably the best receiver in football. And he’s not slowing down - in the NFC title game, he torched the Rams for 10 grabs, 153 yards, and a touchdown.
Seattle lines him up everywhere - out wide, in the slot, even in the backfield - creating constant mismatches.
His upcoming duel with Patriots All-Pro corner Christian Gonzalez could be the headline matchup of Super Bowl LX. But Gonzalez won’t be the only one with his hands full.
Veteran slot receiver Cooper Kupp, who quietly posted 593 receiving yards this season, remains a reliable option. And then there’s Rashid Shaheed - a midseason pickup from New Orleans who’s a home run threat every time he touches the ball.
He only saw 26 targets in Seattle, but averaged over 12 yards per catch and brings added juice as a return man.
The Seahawks’ run game is no afterthought either. Kenneth Walker powered his way to a 1,000-yard season, running with the kind of physicality that wears down defenses.
Per PFF, he’s averaging over three yards after contact - a testament to his ability to keep the chains moving even when the blocking breaks down. Tight end AJ Barner is another name to know.
At 6-foot-6 and 251 pounds, he’s a red-zone nightmare and second on the team in both targets (52) and touchdowns (6). Seattle even uses him on short-yardage “tush push” plays - and he’s been effective there, too.
Up front, the Seahawks boast one of the league’s better tackle duos in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. The interior line is more of a mixed bag. Right guard Anthony Bradford has struggled at times, while rookie left guard Grey Zabel and young center Jalen Sundell are still finding their footing - though both have shown promise.
Defensively, Seattle is flat-out dominant. They rank first in the league against both the run and pass, according to DVOA, and that’s no fluke.
MacDonald’s scheme is built to limit big plays through the air, but it doesn’t sacrifice pressure. In fact, it thrives on it.
With a mix of creative blitzes and relentless front-line talent, Seattle consistently disrupts opposing quarterbacks.
The interior duo of Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II has been a problem for offenses all season. On the edge, DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu each posted over 50 pressures, with both logging at least six sacks. And the depth is just as dangerous - Derick Hall and Boye Mafe aren’t far behind with 47 and 41 pressures, respectively.
At linebacker, Ernest Jones is the heartbeat of the defense. He calls the plays, racks up tackles (126 on the year), and has a nose for the ball - five interceptions earned him second-team All-Pro honors.
But the real strength of this defense lies in the secondary. Devon Witherspoon has emerged as one of the top corners in the game, earning second-team All-Pro honors while switching between outside corner and nickel.
He’s a playmaker with elite instincts. Tariq Woolen and Josh Jobe have combined for 24 pass breakups, while safety Coby Bryant added four interceptions to his stat line.
Then there’s rookie safety Nick Emmanwori - one of the most athletic players on the field. Used all over the formation, he racked up 81 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, and 11 pass breakups.
He’s a true chess piece in MacDonald’s hands.
And don’t overlook special teams - Seattle ranks second in the league by DVOA in that department, too.
So if you’re wondering why the Patriots are heading into this Super Bowl as underdogs, look no further than the Seahawks’ complete, top-to-bottom roster. This team doesn’t just win - it imposes its will. And now, just one win away from a championship, Seattle looks every bit the juggernaut its record suggests.