10 things we’re watching in Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl LX matchup

The long two-week wait is over. Super Bowl LX is here.

Here are 10 things we’re watching in Sunday’s Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl rematch.

• All eyes will be on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s right throwing shoulder. Maye insists his shoulder is fine, and the Patriots QB has been a full participant in practice this week, which is a great sign. But any errant throw will be held under a microscope in the biggest game of Maye’s young life. Maye said this week that two-on-two basketball games against his brothers helped him prepare for the pressure of Sunday’s game.

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“Just the joy of it, but also the feeling you get of accomplishing something,” Maye said. “Me beating my older brothers or having an opportunity to just compete at a high level, I think, is the best thing. Just watching my older brothers, Luke, Cole and Beau just excel in sports growing up and want the ball at the end of the games, always being the player that you felt like if they played well, they won the game. That’s the position I’m in now, and knowing that every game now comes with pressure, and it’s part of this league. Trying to have the confidence in myself and just trusting myself and my teammates that we’re going to get that done.”

• Maye has to play better than what he showed in the postseason so far. His performance in the playoffs has been excused due to strength of opposing defenses and the weather, but he hasn’t quite looked like regular-season Drake Maye against the Chargers, Texans and Broncos.

The competition is still fierce Sunday against the Seahawks, but the weather has been near-perfect in the Bay Area this week.

• The most fun matchup to watch Sunday will be anytime Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, a top five player at his position, is facing off against Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who might be the best in the league. But how often will they actually see each other? It might be difficult to shadow “JSN” because he moves around the Seahawks’ offense so much. It would not be surprising to see the Patriots double Smith-Njigba at times. In those circumstances, it makes the most sense for Marcus Jones or Carlton Davis to cover him with safety help as Gonzalez plays on an island against Rashid Shaheed, Cooper Kupp or another Seahawks wide receiver.

• Rookie left tackle Will Campbell played better two weeks ago against the Broncos and pass rusher Nik Bonitto, but there were other factors in play. The Patriots didn’t throw the ball very much, and the snow likely affected the effectiveness of both teams’ edge rushers.

The Seahawks like to mix DeMarcus Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall on the edge. Campbell will likely see all four players in the Super Bowl.

Will Campbell of the New England Patriots blocks for Drake Maye during a game earlier this season against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 12, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

• There’s cause for concern on the Patriots’ interior offensive line, as well. Rookie left guard Jared Wilson is forced to block Seahawks interior defensive linemen Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II and Jarran Reed. Williams finished third among interior defensive linemen in pressures this season. Murphy was also top 10. Center Garrett Bradbury and right guard Mike Onwenu will also play a role in blocking Williams, Murphy and Reed.

• The Seahawks love to run the ball, but they weren’t always very efficient at it. Goal-line back Zach Charbonnet is out, leaving Kenneth Walker to handle most rushing duties. The Seahawks ranked 25th in rush EPA (expected points added) per play this season and 23rd in rushing success rate.

The Patriots’ defense is suffocating against the run when Milton Williams and Robert Spillane share the field. Spillane believes he can play on his injured ankle, and he’s been limited in practice this week.

• Don’t expect either team to be able to run the ball very well. Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is playing the best football of his NFL career, but the Seahawks ranked first in EPA per rush this season on defense. TreVeyon Henderson played just four snaps last week against the Broncos, but a big play from the rookie running back could help lead the Patriots to victory. The Patriots don’t trust Henderson in blitz pickup, but the Seahawks’ defense ranks just 28th in blitz rate this season.

• Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has been solid under pressure this postseason, completing 9-of-19 passes for 98 yards with four touchdowns. It was a major issue for him during the regular season, however, when he completed 52.1% of passes for 929 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight of his 14 interceptions. The Patriots have increased their blitz rate to generate pressure this postseason, but Darnold generally plays well against the blitz. The Seahawks’ offensive line is strong at tackle but has some holes on its interior. Will the Patriots try to get pressure on Darnold without blitzing and see if Milton Williams and Christian Barmore can get upfield? It might be smart. They can always adjust and dial up blitzes as the game wears on.

• Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon is stingy in coverage. Maye’s goal should be to play keepaway and target the Seahawks’ other cornerbacks, Josh Jobe and Riq Woolen. Fortunately for Maye, the Patriots don’t necessarily have one wide receiver who must be targeted 10 times per game. He can spread the ball around to Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins and his tight ends and running backs.

• This is a difficult game to predict. Most experts see a Seahawks win with some predicting a blowout. I think it’s a close game, and the Patriots ultimately pull it off 24-23.

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