Seahawks Show a Different Way to Win Super Bowl with Reclamation QB

Seattle's defense and special teams lead the way to championship

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX by relying on a strong defense and special teams, rather than an elite quarterback. Quarterback Sam Darnold, a reclamation project who was the 18th highest-paid QB in the NFL, managed the game well and avoided turnovers. The Seahawks' defensive scheme and players like cornerback Devon Witherspoon dominated the New England Patriots' offense, proving there are multiple paths to a championship in the NFL.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' victory challenges the conventional wisdom that a team needs an MVP-caliber quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Their success shows there are alternative roster-building strategies that can also lead to a championship, providing hope for teams without elite signal-callers.

The details

The Seahawks hired defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald and built a defense with many good players but no superstars. Their scheme and execution overwhelmed the Patriots' offense, led by quarterback Drake Maye, who struggled throughout the game. On offense, Darnold managed the game well, avoiding turnovers and letting the defense and special teams lead the way. Running back Kenneth Walker III had a big game, rushing for 135 yards and winning Super Bowl MVP.

  • The Seahawks hired Mike Macdonald as their head coach prior to the 2025 season.
  • Seattle traded for quarterback Sam Darnold before the 2025 season after parting ways with Russell Wilson.
  • The Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 23-6 in Super Bowl LX on February 9, 2026.

The players

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' starting quarterback, who was the 18th highest-paid QB in the NFL and had revived his career after being considered a bust earlier in his career.

Devon Witherspoon

The Seahawks' standout cornerback, who was the best player on the field in the Super Bowl with a sack, three quarterback hits, and dominant coverage.

Kenneth Walker III

The Seahawks' running back, who rushed for 135 yards and was named Super Bowl MVP.

Mike Macdonald

The Seahawks' head coach, who built a defensive scheme that overwhelmed the Patriots' offense.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' starting quarterback, who struggled in the Super Bowl after a strong regular season and playoff run.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With our defense, the way they've been playing, my job was take care of the football. I knew that coming into the game. I did that.”

— Sam Darnold, Seahawks Quarterback

“Defense wins championships! We're not here without our defense.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks Receiver

“We see him each day: He's there early, he's there late. He's committed to the process and he puts in the work. And above all that, he's just a good guy. It's so easy to love him and cheer for him.”

— Julian Love, Seahawks Safety

“Whatever my coach needs me to do, I go out there and do.”

— Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks Cornerback

“He's a special player.”

— Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks Receiver

What’s next

The Seahawks will look to build on their Super Bowl victory and continue to develop their young core, led by quarterback Sam Darnold. The Patriots will aim to address their offensive line issues and get quarterback Drake Maye back on track after a disappointing playoff run.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory demonstrates that there are multiple paths to winning a championship in the NFL. By building a dominant defense and special teams unit, and finding the right fit at quarterback, Seattle proved that an elite signal-caller is not a prerequisite for hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.