After a full season of preparation and 284 games, the final one is Super Bowl 60, hosted in Santa Clara, California; it features the Seahawks and Patriots. Not only is this year’s matchup a huge powerhouse showdown, but it is also the same pairing from 11 years ago. In 2015, the Seahawks played the Patriots in Super Bowl 49, where the Seahawks lost in devastating fashion. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw a game-losing interception on the 1-yard line with 20 seconds left in the game, which eventually led to the Patriots prevailing 28-24. Ever since, the Seahawks have been dying to get their revenge, and now they have their chance on the biggest stage possible.
This season has shown nothing but domination from the Seahawks. From going 10-7 last year and missing the playoffs to having a 14-3 record and clinching a first-round bye, all the success can be owed to quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold, in his career, has been doubted and traded from team to team just trying to find a home. After going 14-3 with the Vikings in the year prior, Darnold tested the free-agent market and went to Seattle, setting him up for his best season by far. The Seahawks have had a top-5 defense in the league with star players such as Rookie of the Year candidate Nick Emmanwori, who has shown his talents in the playoffs. While on the other side of the ball, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been stellar all year with 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns during the regular season, making him an Offensive Player of the Year candidate. In the NFC Championship game, they played one of the strongest teams in the NFL but dominated the Rams with an exceptional game from Sam Darnold. Going into the season, the Seahawks weren’t seen as competitors, but they have become heavy favorites to win it all on Sunday the 8th.
On the other side, the New England Patriots are fresh off their six-time Super Bowl champion dynasty and stellar quarterback Tom Brady. While they spent a few years rebuilding the team and developing young players, they have emerged this year as a huge threat and a scary team that nobody saw coming. They finished the year at 14-3, giving them the number 2 seed in the AFC. Their success can be owed to stud second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Maye finished the season as an MVP candidate, throwing for 31 touchdowns. The Patriots have outlived every expectation they had for this season and are looking to create one of the fastest returns to glory in history. The Patriots’ first-year head coach, Mike Vrabel, has brought a veteran mentality and has completely transformed this team. Although they’ve been underdogs for the majority of the season, they look to outdo more and more expectations and get their 7th Super Bowl championship.
