Seattle Seahawks are heading back to the big game, aiming for their first title since the 2013 season. The team finished the regular season with a record that broke franchise history and earned them the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
**At a Glance
- The Seahawks went 14-3, the most wins ever in franchise history.
- They defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 and the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 to reach Super Bowl 60.
- This will be their fourth appearance in the championship game.
- Why it matters: The team’s return to the Super Bowl signals a resurgence for a franchise that has been a playoff contender for years.
The 2023 season was a showcase for the team’s talent and resilience. Under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald and newly-signed quarterback Sam Darnold, the Seahawks dominated the NFC and secured the top playoff spot. The path to the Super Bowl was clear: a win over the 49ers in the divisional round and a hard-fought victory against the Rams in the NFC Championship.
Season Overview
The Seahawks’ 14-3 record was the best in the franchise’s history. It included:
- A 7-1 start that put the team in the NFC West lead.
- A streak of five consecutive wins that kept playoff hopes alive.
- A final 7-2 finish that capped off a season of defensive strength and offensive versatility.
Key Wins
- 49ers: 41-6 in the divisional round, the most lopsided win in the team’s playoff history.
- Rams: 31-27 in the NFC Championship, a game that hinged on a late defensive stand.
Super Bowl History
The Seahawks have appeared in the championship game four times. Their past trips were in the 2005, 2013, and 2014 seasons.
| Super Bowl | Date | Result | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| XL | Feb. 5, 2006 | 21-10 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| XLVIII | Feb. 2, 2014 | 43-8 | Denver Broncos |
| XLIX | Feb. 1, 2015 | 28-24 | New England Patriots |
The only victory came in the 2013 season when the Seahawks defeated the Broncos 43-8 in a game that showcased the legendary Legion of Boom defense.
2013 Super Bowl Highlights
- Defense: The Legion of Boom led the NFL in yards and points allowed. Key players included Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, and Bobby Wagner.
- MVP: Linebacker Malcolm Smith earned Super Bowl MVP honors with 10 tackles, a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown, and a fumble recovery.
- Offense: Quarterback Russell Wilson threw two touchdowns; running back Marshawn Lynch added one rushing touchdown. A safety on the opening play set the tone.
2005 Super Bowl Loss
The first loss in Seattle’s Super Bowl history came against the Steelers. The game was a defensive battle, with both quarterbacks struggling. Key moments included:
- Matt Hasselbeck throwing a touchdown and an interception.
- Ben Roethlisberger completing only 9 of 21 passes for 123 yards.
- The Steelers’ trick play touchdown by Antwaan Randle El to Hines Ward.
2014 Super Bowl Loss
The 2014 loss was a heartbreaking collapse. Leading by 10 points in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks surrendered two late touchdowns to Tom Brady. The final moments included:
- A drive to the goal line that ended with a pass interception by Malcolm Butler.
- Russell Wilson‘s decision to pass in the final minute, which was heavily criticized.
- Brady‘s MVP performance (37-of-50, 328 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs).
Key Takeaways
- The Seahawks’ 14-3 record and No. 1 seed underscore a dominant season.
- The team’s history in the Super Bowl is a mix of a dominant win and two dramatic losses.
- The upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots will test the Seahawks’ defense against a historically strong offensive unit.
- A return to the Super Bowl after a decade could reignite the franchise’s pursuit of a championship.
Looking Ahead
The Seahawks enter Super Bowl 60 as the top-ranked defense, facing a Patriots offense that includes Drake Maye. The game promises a clash of styles: a defense that has led the league in yards allowed versus an offense that has proven capable of overcoming adversity.
The team’s preparation will focus on:
- Maintaining defensive intensity to counter the Patriots’ passing attack.
- Leveraging the experience of veterans like Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson.
- Continuing the momentum built over the regular season and playoffs.
The franchise’s journey to the Super Bowl is a testament to resilience and strategic growth. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as the Seahawks aim to add a second title to their history.
