The Seattle Seahawks have claimed a second Lombardi Trophy, producing a defensive masterclass that stifled the New England Patriots and extracted some measure of revenge for the disappointment of Super Bowl XLIX.

On that occasion, the Seahawks were undone by Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception in the dying moments, but there was seldom any doubt that they would be celebrating this time around, as an all-round defensive performance stifled Drake Maye and the Patriots offense. In the end, a 29-13 scoreline probably flattered the AFC team, as Maye was sacked a game record-equalling seven times and committed three turnovers, with two fumbles and an interception proving crucial in a game where defense on both teams was the better unit.

Seattle led 12-0 at the interval courtesy of four Jason Myers field goals, with the first touchdown coming in the third quarter when QB Sam Darnold found TE A.J. Barner behind the New England coverage. Like London buses, however, the Patriots hit back almost immediately as Maye finally broke free of the shackles to engineer a scoring drive that resulted in a Mack Hollins touchdown. That New England was even in the game was down to its own defensive efforts, with Christian Gonzalez especially instrumental as he broke up multiple scoring opportunities while Myers was proving the difference between the teams.

It was his Seattle counterparts who had the final say, however, with veteran safety Julian Love picking Maye off to end what appeared to be another promising drive as the young QB found some semblance of rhythm despite the relentless pressure that his O-line struggled to contain. When Uchenna Nwosu ran the ball back from Maye’s second fumble, caused by a marauding Devon Witherspoon, there was no way back for the Pats.

While Maye struggled, opposite number Sam Darnold, a QB known for succumbing to pressure during his nomadic NFL career, proved near flawless if not exactly spectacular or commanding. Running back Kenneth Walker III — who was named as MVP — again shouldered the offensive workload, with receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp kept in check by the Patriots secondary, but was denied a touchdown as reward when his scamper to the end zone late in the final quarter was negated by a holding penalty.

Further coverage of Super Bowl LX to follow — look out for Tom Ritchie’s This Given Sunday later today…