Super Bowl 2026: Seahawks ride defense, Walker beats Patriots | American Football News

The Seattle Seahawks used overwhelming defense to defeat the New England Patriots 29-13.

The Seattle Seahawks relied on their relentless defense to defeat New England 29-13 in Super Bowl LX, stopping the Patriots from winning an NFL-record seventh championship and avenging their loss to the same opponent in the title game 11 years ago.

An NFL highlight that featured an entertaining halftime performance from Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny promised little in terms of thrills on the field Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

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Seattle sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye six times (one of which was a late fumble return for a touchdown), allowed Jason Myers to make five field goals, and Sam Darnold connected with AJ Varner for a touchdown.

A long shot in the preseason, Seattle received the ball and started the game, going on an eight-play drive with a 33-yard Myers field goal to take the lead.

Myers doubled Seattle’s lead from 39 yards in the second quarter, connecting from 41 yards out late in the first half when the Patriots punted on all five possessions.

Maye’s fumble late in the third quarter cost him, and Varner scored a 16-yard touchdown five plays later.

But the Patriots, who had no snaps inside Seattle’s 43-yard line throughout the game, quickly responded with a touchdown drive of their own as Maye connected with Mack Hollins for a 35-yard scoring play to cut into Seattle’s lead with just over 12 minutes remaining.

The Patriots’ ensuing drive, pinned at their own 4-yard line by Australian Michael Dixon’s 55-yard punt, ended abruptly when Maye’s pass intended for Kyle Williams was intercepted by Julian Love, resulting in another Myers field goal and a 22-7 Seattle lead.

The Seahawks then put the game out of reach with a strip sack of Maye, and Uchenna Nwosu scooped up the ball and returned it 44 yards for a score.

Maye scored a late touchdown with Rhamondre Stephenson to bring New England within 16 points, but the Patriots were unable to recover the ensuing onside kick, giving Seattle the victory.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Kenneth Walker III celebrate with the Lombardi Trophy [Morry Gash/AP]

Walker wins MVP

Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III was named MVP after rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries.

Walker became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP since Denver’s Terrell Davis in 1998.

The 25-year-old told Sunday Night Football: “It’s just a dream come true to win it. A lot of people play their whole career and don’t get to this point.”

Walker’s performance, averaging 5 yards per carry and a long run of 30 yards, was crucial to Seattle’s second Super Bowl victory.

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