Seahawks' 'Dark Side' defense shuts down Patriots in Super Bowl 60

New England's offense struggles as Seattle wins 29-13

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The New England Patriots' offense was held in check for most of Super Bowl 60, as the Seattle Seahawks' stifling "Dark Side" defense led the team to a 29-13 victory. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had a difficult game, throwing two interceptions, including a pick-six, and being sacked six times. The Seahawks' defense generated a 52.8% pressure rate, the highest in a Super Bowl since at least 2018, frustrating the Patriots' offense until the fourth quarter.

Why it matters

The Patriots' loss in Super Bowl 60 raises questions about the team's strength of schedule and whether they can return to the big game, as the AFC is expected to be more competitive in 2026. However, the Patriots have invested heavily in free agents and have a talented roster that could make another Super Bowl run next season.

The details

The Patriots' offense was held scoreless through the first three quarters, only managing to score 13 points and gain 253 yards in the fourth quarter when the game was already decided. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold managed the game well, avoiding costly turnovers, while running back Kenneth Walker III provided consistent offense. The Patriots' defense played well for most of the game, but couldn't overcome the team's offensive struggles.

  • The Patriots were held scoreless through the first three quarters of Super Bowl 60.

The players

Stefon Diggs

A wide receiver for the New England Patriots.

Kayshon Boutte

A wide receiver for the New England Patriots.

Drake Maye

The quarterback for the New England Patriots, who struggled in the game, throwing two interceptions and being sacked six times.

Sam Darnold

The quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who managed the game well and avoided costly turnovers.

Kenneth Walker III

The running back for the Seattle Seahawks, who provided consistent offense for the team.

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What they’re saying

“We struggled. Some plays we probably want back. We didn't play our best. We lost. Got to take it on the chin.”

— Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots wide receiver (USA TODAY)

“They have a hell of a defense. One of the top defenses in the league. They are fast in the back end, they have fast backers and they got a good interior.”

— Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots wide receiver (USA TODAY)

“I'd like to go back to the beginning and redo it. There are so many plays that can decide and change the game. I had an (interception) returned for a touchdown. There were plays in the first half where I feel like I could've made a better throw or make a better decision. It really just comes down to who makes the plays and who doesn't. They made plays tonight.”

— Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback (USA TODAY)

“It's tough. We just didn't make enough plays to win the game. We didn't make enough plays when we needed to.”

— Milton Williams, New England Patriots defensive tackle (USA TODAY)

“It's definitely gonna sting. It's gonna sting all the way up to the start of next year. But I'm proud of the guys. I'm proud of this team. All year nobody believed in us. … To make it to where we were, is a testament to our work. We came up short. Every year a team loses the Super Bowl.”

— Christian Gonzalez, New England Patriots cornerback (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The Patriots will look to rebound from their Super Bowl 60 loss and make another run at the championship next season. The team has a talented roster and has invested heavily in free agents, but will face a more competitive AFC landscape in 2026.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' dominant defensive performance in Super Bowl 60 highlighted the team's ability to shut down even the most potent offenses. The Patriots' struggles on offense, despite their strong regular season, raise questions about the team's strength of schedule and their ability to return to the big game. However, the Patriots have the talent and experience to make another Super Bowl run next season.