In the NFL, championships are often won in the trenches.
For the Seattle Seahawks, that age-old football truism was proven emphatically at Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, when Seattle captured their second Lombardi Trophy with a powerful 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots.
The Defensive Identity: Winning Through Run Defense
The Seahawks’ success wasn’t born from flashy passing numbers or highlight-reel catches — it came from a gritty, suffocating defensive unit that made life difficult for opponents’ running games and quarterbacks alike.
Nicknamed the “Dark Side,” this defensive group became the backbone of Seattle’s championship run.
Stopping the run forces offenses into predictable passing situations.
When a defense consistently tackles ball carriers at or near the line of scrimmage:
It robes the offense of balance, making play-action less threatening and forcing teams into long third downs.
It dictates down-and-distance, frequently producing third-and-long situations that favor pass rushers.
It limits time of possession, as opposing running games fail to sustain drives.
Statistically, the 2025 Seahawks were among the NFL’s elite in run defense, ranking near the top in fewest rushing yards allowed and showcasing a collective ability to hold back even the toughest ground attacks.
Scheme and Execution: More Than Just Tackles
Under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Seattle’s scheme blended aggressive front-seven pressure with disciplined gap control.
The Seahawks consistently forced offenses away from their comfort zones by:
Deploying versatile linemen who could both set the edge and generate pressure without heavy blitzing.
Using sub-packages that allowed quicker defenders to plug holes and disrupt runs at their source.
This balance gave Seattle the flexibility to rush the passer and still stay stout against the run — an ideal formula for playoff success.
Super Bowl LX: Defense Wins Championships
In Super Bowl LX, the Seahawks’ defensive dominance set the tone early.
Seattle’s front-seven pressure helped limit New England’s ability to establish a ground threat, and consistent stops forced the Patriots into passing situations they couldn’t comfortably navigate.
Seattle finished with multiple sacks and turnovers that swung momentum in their favor.
While standout performances — like Kenneth Walker III earning Super Bowl MVP with 135 rushing yards — grabbed headlines, it was the defense’s ability to dictate the rhythm that allowed the Seahawks to stay in control.
Historical Context: Seattle’s Defensive Tradition
Seattle’s title-winning units have often been defined by their defense.
The famed “Legion of Boom” of the early 2010s helped deliver Super Bowl XLVIII by shutting down both the run and pass, proving that elite defense is a championship cornerstone.
Now, with the Dark Side back atop the NFL defensive hierarchy, Seattle reaffirms that ethos: stopping the run doesn’t just help you win games — it positions a team to hoist the ultimate prize.
