Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr argued that New England’s defensive identity—“bigger than you”—and a habit of telegraphing stunts allowed Seattle to tailor its game plan, using timing and specific calls to counter the Patriots’ fronts.
Defensively, the Patriots were exposed in several key metrics. Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards and a rushing touchdown, New England did not force a turnover, and Darnold was sacked only once. Walker’s performance was aided by missed tackles, with Next Gen Stats noting a season-high +42 rushing yards over expected and nine missed tackles for an extra 79 yards.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell highlighted Seattle’s heavy use of 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends) and how defenses typically respond with base packages; the Patriots, however, played base defense on 22 of 25 snaps against 12 personnel, hindering their ability to counter the Seahawks’ looks.
Drake Maye, under constant pressure, faced a challenging night without adequate help from protection or complementary blockers. Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels largely stuck to familiar blocking schemes, leaving rookie left tackle Will Campbell and the scheme’s protection vulnerable as Seattle installed calls to exploit the Patriots’ slide protections.
Seattle’s defensive plan was executed with precision. Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde repeatedly deployed overload blitzes, including early pressures from Devon Witherspoon, who totaled four pressures in six rushes, a sack, and a pick-six by Uchenna Nwosu. Witherspoon’s coverage allowed only two receptions for 16 yards on 47 snaps.
The analysis suggests Vrabel’s group was outmatched in preparation and adjustment. Seattle’s ability to read and react to New England’s protections, combined with Vrabel/McDaniels’ conservative adjustments, helped the Seahawks control the game from start to finish and prevent the Patriots from leveraging their past coaching edge.
Overall, the game underscored how strategic game planning and in-game adaptation—areas where Seattle’s staff excelled—can neutralize a roster that, on paper, was less talented. The result added another chapter to the debate over Vrabel’s decision-making in a high-stakes rematch, with Seattle’s execution prevailing on the biggest stage.
