Superbowl Sixty Review: Seahawks Annihilate Patriots
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Over twenty online articles and countless talking heads will suggest to you that the Seattle Seahawks “dominated” the New England Patriots during Superbowl Sixty in Levi Stadium, Santa Clara. From the eye test, while watching the game, and the post game statistics, those commentators are failing you! It was NOT mere domination, it was simply annihilation … this devastating performance by the Seahawks defensive “dark side” made the Eagles’ destruction of Mahomes and the Chiefs look like mere child’s play. Seahawks Head Coach Mike MacDonald and GM John Schneider are the toast of the NFL: combining to create and coach a roster that combined supposed misfits and talented rookies to land the most unexpected championships.
Seahawks Defence Run Riot Against Young Pats O-Line
The “dark side,” potential heirs to the much vaunted Legion of Boom, were in control from the start of this encounter. The Seahawks added SIX sacks to the fifteen the Pats had previously conceded during the post season. Drake Maye, carrying a shoulder injury, was hit eleven times during the game. While commentators across multiple TV channels tried to entice viewers to return for the second half (“it’s only 9-0”), we could read the body language of the Pats offensive line: shocked and jaded by the intensity of the Seahawks. It was a humbling experience for the rookie Left Tackle, Will Campbell. He enters the record books as allowing 14 QB pressures. He was relentlessly targeted as the weakest link in an Offensive Line that had previously lacked such a punishing ordeal this season. They contributed an eye-watering eight tackles for loss and three takeaways, including Uchenna Nwosu’s pick six.
Kenneth Walker III Deemed Superbowl MVP
Again, a ruthless performance from a collective defensive team has failed to be rewarded for their efforts in a Super Bowl MVP (surely Most Valuable Player could be easily altered to Most Valuable Players?) Alas, Kenneth Walker III was deserving of the award behind the “dark sides” memorable performance. With Sam Darnold’s pragmatic, conservative and careful play, under Klint Kubiak’s direction, it was up to Walker to ensure forward progress. He was direct and resilient throughout this bruising encounter: carrying an average of five yards over twenty-seven attempts for 135 yards total. He mirrored the defense’s domineering and relentless application on the night when the lights shine brightest.
Neutral Fans Revel in Sam Darnold’s Redemption
Plenty of fans, myself included, remember the excitement ahead of the 2018 Draft. A phenomenal QB class was expected: Baker Mayfield; Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson have all made their mark on the game. Mayfield was picked first in that class. Allen and Jackson have won MVP awards. Alas, it was California’s own Sam Darnold that is the first to collect a Superbowl winners medal! Drafted third by the Jets and then unceremoniously traded to the Panthers, the first five years of his career were not living up to the expected bright lights, fast cars and fame that one would expect with his pedigree. He was released as a free agent, and went to the 49ers. He backed up Brock Purdy … alas, after what some labelled as “stagnation,” he joined Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown at the Vikings, Despite a positive year: a 102.5 passer rating and being called to his first Pro Bowl, Darnold was ditched following the arrival of first round pick JJ McCarthy. John Schneider also brought back psychology specialist Michael Gervais, who worked alongside HC Mike MacDonald to push Darnold to succeed. Darnold gained an entirely new perspective to turn from overlooked to Superbowl Champion:
You’re never going to have a perfect day out there and once you understand that, truly understand that, then you can go out there and just play free. That really unlocked something for me mentally, and it allowed me to play good football and be OK with things that happen out there.
Seahawks 29 Patriots 13
It was an intriguing tactical battle to close a wonderful season! We were treated to breathtaking and outstanding moments of skill across 285 games! It was an absolute joy to see my own Steelers in Croke Park and to cover this wonderful sport: I hope I did these marvellous athletes some justice: here’s to the much anticipated Superbowl review podcast from Jimmy and the lads!
May I ask you one single favour? While the NFL season may have finished with the usual fireworks, confetti and the majestic Lombardi hoisted high, seek out your local club: you may be unable to play, but support it in any way you can. See the game at it’s purest: the grassroot level: see the passion, joy and athleticism of your local hometown heroes …