The conversation around Super Bowl 60 keeps drifting toward the wrong question. It’s not whether Seattle Seahawks can win with Sam Darnold. It’s why anyone still doubts that this version of Seattle is designed to win this exact game.

This isn’t about quarterback mystique or brand-name legacies. It’s about structure. And Seattle owns every structural advantage that matters against the New England Patriots.

---

Sam Darnold Isn’t the Weak Link — He’s the Point

Seattle didn’t ask Sam Darnold to be a savior. They asked him to be efficient, decisive, and protected. He’s been all three.

Darnold’s biggest strength in 2026 has been restraint. He takes what defenses give him, avoids negative plays, and keeps Seattle on schedule. Against a New England defense that thrives on baiting quarterbacks into mistakes, that discipline matters more than arm talent.

Seattle doesn’t need fireworks from Darnold. They need command. And that’s exactly what they’ve gotten.

---

Seattle’s Skill Players Will Control the Game

This is where the matchup tilts hard.

Seattle’s wide receiver group stretches the field horizontally and vertically, forcing defenses to declare coverage early. New England doesn’t have the corner depth to live in man coverage for four quarters, and zone looks only invite Seattle’s timing routes and yards-after-catch game.

Then there’s the backfield. Seattle’s running backs don’t just chew clock—they dictate defensive personnel. Light boxes get punished. Heavy boxes get exposed through play-action. It’s a pick-your-poison scenario, and New England doesn’t have enough antidotes.

By the second half, Seattle won’t be chasing points. They’ll be managing them.

---

Seattle’s Defense Is Built to Break Drake Maye

This is the part no one in New England wants to talk about.

Drake Maye is talented. He’s also young, aggressive, and prone to trusting his arm a beat too long. That’s fatal against Seattle’s defense.

Seattle pressures without selling out. They collapse pockets from the edges, force quarterbacks off their first read, and punish hesitation. Maye’s tendency to extend plays works against him here—Seattle rallies to the ball better than any defense New England has faced this season.

Turnovers don’t need to come in bunches. One short field. One stalled drive. One third-and-long sack. That’s how Super Bowls swing.

Seattle knows how to manufacture those moments.

---

Game Script Favors Seattle — Not the Comeback Team

If New England falls behind early, the margin for error evaporates. Seattle doesn’t blitz recklessly. They don’t chase highlight plays. They tighten the screws and wait.

Long drives. Field position. Clock control.

That’s a nightmare scenario for a young quarterback seeing disguised coverages on the biggest stage of his career.

---

Final Word

Seattle isn’t winning Super Bowl 60 despite Sam Darnold.
They’re winning because the entire roster allows him to play his best football.

The receivers will separate.
The running backs will impose their will.
And the defense will make Drake Maye uncomfortable from the opening series.In February, comfort matters.
Seattle takes it away—and takes home the Lombardi.