Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was under consistent duress as Seattle racked up six sacks and limited New England’s run game to 79 rushing yards, forcing Maye to try and beat the Seahawks through the air while facing relentless pressure. The defense helped keep New England off the scoreboard for three quarters, with the Patriots finally reaching the end zone in the fourth.
The defining moment came when Uchenna Nwosu stepped in for a long interception return for a touchdown late in the game, sealing Seattle’s victory and highlighting the effectiveness of the Seahawks’ pass rush and ball disruption.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel spoke candidly after the defeat, noting rhythm and field position as core issues and pointing to turnovers as the deciding factor. “We couldn’t gain any rhythm or field position,” Vrabel said, adding that turnovers ultimately cost them and that the offense must execute more consistently.
Analysts outside the building also praised Seattle’s performance. CBS Sports’ Patrick Peterson observed that New England had no reliable answers for Seattle’s defensive front and noted Maye’s struggles with footwork and pocket presence as the game wore on, especially under the constant pressure.
On the Seahawks side, Jaxon Smith-Njigba credited Seattle’s defense for setting the tone and providing the opportunity to score, saying the unit “is the best in the world” and that “defense wins championships,” a sentiment that underscored Seattle’s convincing win and its impact on the game’s momentum.
