When the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots square off in Super Bowl LX this Sunday, it won’t just be a battle for the Lombardi Trophy-it’ll be a rematch steeped in history. The last time these two met on this stage, it ended in heartbreak for Seattle and jubilation for New England, thanks to Malcolm Butler’s unforgettable goal-line interception of Russell Wilson in Super Bowl XLIX.
That play etched itself into NFL lore. This time, though, the Seahawks are built differently-and they just might be ready to flip the script.
Here are five reasons why Seattle is primed to get it done and hoist their second Super Bowl trophy.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a matchup nightmare
Let’s start with the obvious: Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a problem-and there’s no easy answer for him.
The Seahawks' second-year wideout has evolved into one of the league’s most electrifying offensive weapons. He didn’t just shine this season-he dominated, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors and even forcing his way into the MVP conversation. That’s no small feat for a wide receiver in a quarterback-dominated award race.
What makes Smith-Njigba so dangerous is his ability to turn any play into a highlight. He’s a technician in space, slippery after the catch, and a nightmare for defensive coordinators trying to game-plan around him. The Patriots have a budding star at quarterback in Drake Maye, but they don’t have a pass-catcher who can take over a game the way JSN can.
Seattle thrives on explosive plays, and Smith-Njigba is the engine behind that. If he finds space early, it could tilt the field-and the scoreboard-in a hurry.
2. Seattle's defense is built for this moment
While the offense grabs headlines, Seattle’s defense has been quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) dominant all year. They allowed just 17.2 points per game during the regular season-the lowest mark in the league-and they’ve done it with a pass rush that doesn’t need help to get home.
That’s the key. Seattle generates pressure without blitzing, which means they can flood the secondary with coverage and force quarterbacks into tight-window throws. That’s a nightmare scenario for any passer, let alone a rookie like Maye who’s still adjusting to the speed and complexity of postseason defenses.
Maye’s playoff run has been impressive, but it hasn’t been flawless. He’s turned the ball over and has yet to face a defense as fast, physical, and disciplined as Seattle’s. If the Seahawks can get pressure with four and drop seven into coverage, they’re going to make life very difficult for New England’s offense.
3. Nick Emmanwori is ready to roll
Seattle’s defense gets another boost with the expected return of rookie defensive back Nick Emmanwori. After some uncertainty around his status earlier in the week, signs are pointing toward him suiting up-and that’s huge.
Emmanwori is the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a role-he reshapes the defense. He’s a hybrid weapon, capable of playing deep, coming down in the box, or even matching up in man coverage. His versatility gives Seattle options, and options are everything when you’re facing a creative offense in the Super Bowl.
With Emmanwori on the field, Seattle’s defense becomes faster, smarter, and more dangerous. He’s the kind of player who can swing a game with a single read or a perfectly timed hit.
4. New England’s offense is still searching for rhythm
To their credit, the Patriots just keep finding ways to win. They’ve scratched and clawed their way through the playoffs, and at this point, style points don’t matter. But if we’re being honest, the offense hasn’t looked right for a while.
In three postseason games, New England is averaging just 18 points per contest. That’s a far cry from the efficiency they showed in the regular season, and it’s not going to cut it against a Seattle team that can score in bunches.
The Patriots have faced some tough defenses in this playoff run, no question. But Seattle might be the best of the bunch. And with Maye still adjusting to the big stage-and without a true game-breaking receiver to lean on-the Patriots are going to need to find answers fast.
If they don’t, this could be the game where the offensive struggles finally catch up to them.
5. Pete Carroll may be gone, but the Seahawks aren’t overthinking it
Let’s be real-Seahawks fans haven’t forgotten what happened the last time they were in this spot against New England. The decision to pass on the goal line instead of handing it to Marshawn Lynch still stings. It’s the “what if” that lingers in Seattle sports history.
But this version of the Seahawks isn’t carrying that baggage. With Sam Darnold under center and Mike Macdonald leading the charge from the sideline, this is a team that’s playing with clarity and confidence. They’re not trying to outthink the moment-they’re leaning into what they do best.
Darnold has found his rhythm in this offense, and Macdonald has this defense playing fast and physical. Together, they’ve built a team that doesn’t flinch in big moments. That’s the kind of mindset you need on Super Bowl Sunday.
Bottom line
This isn’t just a rematch-it’s a chance at redemption. Seattle has the playmakers, the defense, and the momentum to finish what they couldn’t in Super Bowl XLIX. If they execute the way they’ve shown all season, they won’t need a last-second miracle-or a goal-line debate-to bring home the title.