For a second time in franchise history, the Seattle Seahawks reside atop the NFL world.
Seattle defeated the Patriots on the game's biggest stage, righting a loss suffered against the same organization 11 years ago in Super Bowl XLIX.
The Seahawks defense was smothering, holding New England below 100 total yards and off the scoreboard until a few minutes into the final frame.
Linebacker Derick Hall led a ferocious pass rush that kept Pats quarterback Drake Maye off-balance for much of the contest, totaling two of the team's six sacks and forcing a fumble that led to Seattle's first TD of the contest.
Though the Seahawks offense was also slowed, Seattle got enough from the legs of running back Kenneth Walker III and leg of kicker Jason Myers to secure a victory.
The defeat will leave a bitter taste for the Patriots, who, led by head coach Mike Vrabel, found themselves far ahead of schedule in the Super Bowl just six years into the post-Tom Brady era. Featuring a star under center and balance up and down the roster, they'll return next season primed to bounce back and prove to everyone their run wasn't close to a fluke.
As for the Seahawks, celebrations are now in order for the "Dark Side" defense and Sam Darnold, who at long last has found a home with the Super Bowl champs.
Source: nfl.com
