10 takeaways from Patriots’ 29-13 loss to Seahawks in Super Bowl LX

SANTA CLARA, California  — The New England Patriots’ season came to an end on Sunday night, but not in the way they hoped it would.

The Patriots fell to the Seattle Seahawks, 29-13, in Super Bowl LX. And it certainly wasn’t New England’s best game of the season, as a lot of glaring issues showed up offensively against the league’s best defense.

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So, let’s get into some takeaways from the loss:

1. Drake Maye’s turnover issues become major factor

It certainly wasn’t Drake Maye’s best night, as the quarterback struggled to settle into the big game. And with that, he also had numerous costly turnovers that allowed the Seahawks to run away with it despite the efforts by the Patriots’ defense to keep them in the game for so long.

Maye and the Patriots were shut out for three quarters, unable to get any points on the board. He was able to help put up 13 points by the end of the game, but it wasn’t enough. The second-year quarterback finished 27-of-47 for 295 yards and two touchdowns, but also recorded two interceptions and one fumble.

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2. Defense bends but doesn’t break

While the Patriots’ offense wasn’t able to get anything going, the defense was the reason they remained in the game for so long. Throughout the first three quarters, they allowed Seattle to reach their half of the field, but impressive red zone defense forced them to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns. So, at the end of the third quarter, the Seahawks only held a 12-0 lead over the Patriots, making it just a two-score lead.

3. Left side of the offensive line has lots of struggles

Coming into this game, Maye had been sacked 15 times during the postseason, and Sunday was much of the same as the offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback. Specifically, the Seahawks targeted the left side of the line, which was composed of two rookies. Seattle ultimately sacked Maye six times.

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4. Craig Woodson proves the future is bright

Craig Woodson has truly emerged as a key player for the Patriots in this postseason run, having another impressive game despite the final result. He finished with seven total tackles, including three tackles for loss as well as two passes defended.

5. Christian Gonzalez makes multiple big time plays

Christian Gonzalez had arguably his best game of the season, which came at a good time for the cornerback as he is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is eligible for a new contract. He finished with four tackles and three passes defended.

One of the cornerback’s highlight plays came when Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold sent a deep pass to Rashid Shaheed. Gonzalez lunged, jumping up high for the pass breakup at the last second.