1 of 5 | Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams (99) is expected to be among the key players in Super Bowl LX. File Photo by Gary Caskey/UPI | License Photo
The New England Patriots’ ability to protect against Seattle Seahawks stunts might be the most important factor Sunday in Super Bowl LX.
Statistics show Seahawks defenders dominated foes this season, but it was what they hid through disguises that enabled that detonation.
Coach Mike Macdonald’s heavy use of stunts — with defenders exchanging roles and responsibilities after the snap — perplexed opponents and propelled non-blitz pressures for one of the league’s top defenses.
Now, it will be up to Patriots coaches, quarterback Drake Maye and his blockers to find ways to combat the deception if they want any chance of offensive fluidity Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.
“It’ll be a huge factor in the game,” Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said. “They are really good at it. It’s a strength of what they do. It’s how they are able to apply pressure with a four-man rush.
“They can straight rush and guys work off of each other. Then guys work well together to get somebody else free or be the guy that gets free. They pick and drive to the quarterback.”
Like the Patriots, fans likely won’t immediately decipher many of the coverages or pressure packages being cooked up by the Seahawks, who rarely give away their strategy before the snap.
Unlike many defenses, Seattle doesn’t wait for the offense to dictate terms. Its defenders focus more on aggression than reaction and play on a string.
They often use that deception and strategy to manipulate blocking schemes and wrestle for personnel advantages. When the Seahawks, who run the fewest snaps in the NFL in base defenses (outside the red zone or when pushed back), don’t get to the quarterback, they still suffocate the pocket with waves of long-armed, acrobatic defenders.
That arsenal, including tackles Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy and rushers DeMarcus Lawrence and Derick Hall, could smother the Patriots’ running game while making Maye’s day long and painful.
Really gotta watch out for @TankLawrence. -10 yards on the strip-sack.
: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/Mm78XBxfQb— xz* – Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 26, 2026
“They do a great job of playing fast,” Maye said. “They swarm to the football. We have to protect it when we’re running. They play some zone coverage and have eyes on the quarterback … tipped balls. I’ve gotta make sure I’m being accurate with the football. They’ve got good players up front. Gotta be careful in the pocket.
“They are good at all three levels. We’ve got a tough challenge. They play really fast. Looking forward to a good challenge.”
Maye was sacked 15 times so far this postseason, the most for any player who reached a Super Bowl since 1970. He was brought down on 48.4% of his pressured drop backs, twice his regular-season percentage.
The Patriots’ offensive line, which includes two rookies on the left side in tackle Will Campbell and guard Jared Wilson, improved throughout the season. Vrabel said his linemen will need to avoid letting Seahawks rushers get to their back hips.
Slides, pinches and other strategical maneuvers by that line could somewhat mitigate the Seahawks’ success, but explosive playmaking and third-down conversions will be crucial for Maye and the Patriots offense’s ability to score.
New England’s defense also could help Maye by stalling Seahawks offensive possessions, forcing the opposing defense to be on the field longer and limiting its sustained impact.
Watch out for Leo. #ProBowlVote + @leonardwilliams
: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/Jg7AvFjJua— xz* – Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) November 30, 2025
“The game really starts with the offensive line,” Patriots right guard Mike Onwenu said. “If we aren’t running, the run game won’t be good, the pass game won’t be good. Everything starts through us and we accept that challenge.”
Empty backfield formations could improve the Patriots’ ability to make explosive plays, but it also could make Maye more vulnerable. Another challenge will be how to use running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Stevenson is a better blocker, but Henderson is among their most explosive playmakers.
Maye’s off-script discernment likely will play another vital role in the game. His athleticism and ability to use his legs could be decisive if the game remains tight.
Maye, who led the NFL in yards per attempt (8.9), completion percentage (72.0) and passer rating (113.5) this season, threw three touchdown passes of 28 yards or longer this postseason.
The health of Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori, who sprained his ankle Wednesday, also provides hope for the Patriots. If Emmanwori is slowed, it could limit the Seahawks’ versatility.
Sunday’s meeting is the first Super Bowl since 1970 between teams that ranked inside the Top 4 in scoring offense and scoring defense.
Maye, 23, will attempt to become the youngest starting quarterback in history to win a Super Bowl. Lawrence could become the first player since 2000 to register a sack and forced fumble in three consecutive playoff games.
“We’ve played some great defenses, some defenses who deserve the credit they’ve gotten,” Maye said. “They’ve played well all year long. They are statistically one of the best defenses in the league. You see on film how well they play together, how well they’re coached.
“It’s another chance for us to prove why we belong here.”
The Seahawks are 4.5-point favorites. Super Bowl LX will kick off at 3:30 p.m. PST/6:30 p.m. EST Sunday at Levi’s Stadium and air on NBC.
NFL: Patriots, Seahawks attend Super Bowl LX opening night event
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (L) and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold chat on the stage at the Super Bowl LX Opening Night media event leading up to Super Bowl LX in San Jose, Calif., on February 2, 2026. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
