Christian McCaffrey Praises Seattle's Collective Defense Ahead of Super Bowl 60

49ers star running back highlights Seahawks' scheme, pressure, and coverage over individual talent

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:53am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game, with players and field elements broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes, conveying the complexity and intensity of the matchup between the Seahawks' defense and the Patriots' offense.A cubist interpretation of the strategic battle between the Seahawks' stifling defense and the Patriots' struggling offense in Super Bowl 60.Seattle Today

Christian McCaffrey, the star running back for the 49ers, has offered a surprisingly insightful scouting report on the Seattle Seahawks' defense ahead of Super Bowl 60. Despite struggling against Seattle's unit this season, McCaffrey has expressed deep respect for their collective strength, scheme, and ability to generate pressure without sacrificing coverage.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' defense has been a dominant force all season, ranking at or near the top of the league in several key defensive metrics. As the Patriots look to overcome this formidable unit in the Super Bowl, McCaffrey's perspective provides valuable insight into the challenges they will face.

The details

McCaffrey, who faced the Seahawks' defense three times this season, highlighted their low blitz rate of just 19% during the regular season as a key factor in their success. This allows them to generate pressure without leaving the back end exposed, a strategy that has contributed to their league-leading opponent success rate and EPA allowed per play. The Seahawks also ranked second in turnover percentage and fifth in third/fourth-down conversion rate allowed, effectively ending drives and limiting yards. Their sack rate of 36.0% and red zone touchdown rate of 29.2% further emphasize their ability to pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers.

  • The Seahawks' defense ranked first in opponent success rate and first in EPA allowed per play during the 2025 regular season.
  • Seattle's defense allowed just 17.2 points per game during the 2025 regular season, the lowest in the league.

The players

Christian McCaffrey

A star running back for the San Francisco 49ers who faced the Seattle Seahawks' defense three times this season.

Seattle Seahawks

An NFL team known for their elite defense, which ranked among the league's best in several key metrics during the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“Despite McCaffrey's struggles against Seattle, with just 127 rushing yards on 41 carries, his respect for their defense is evident.”

— Christian McCaffrey, 49ers Running Back

What’s next

The New England Patriots, who have managed just 18 points per game in the playoffs, will need to find a way to overcome the Seahawks' formidable defense in Super Bowl 60.

The takeaway

McCaffrey's insights highlight the collective strength and disciplined scheme of the Seahawks' defense, which has been a dominant force throughout the 2025 season. As the Patriots prepare to face this unit in the Super Bowl, they will need to find creative ways to overcome the Seahawks' ability to generate pressure without sacrificing coverage.