Patriots react with 35-yard touchdown and seek comeback against Seahawks in Super Bowl LX

A 35-yard play in the final quarter of Super Bowl LX, held on the night of February 8, 2026, drastically changed the scenario of the game and brought New England Patriots back into contention for the NFL title. The connection between quarterback Drake Maye and wide receiver Mack Hollins resulted in the team’s first touchdown in the final, reducing the Seattle Seahawks lead to 19-7 on the scoreboard.

The crucial moment occurred at Levi’s Stadium, at Santa Clara, Califórnia, with 12 minutes and 27 seconds left on the clock. Até then, the dominance was largely in favor of the Seattle team, which had built a solid lead throughout the first three periods, leaving the New England team in a delicate situation.

With the score, New England’s team gains new momentum to seek a comeback in the final minutes. The pressure now intensifies on both teams, with each possession becoming decisive for the championship result and the victory of the Vince Lombardi trophy.

The offensive campaign that rekindled hope

The Patriots touchdown was the climax of an extremely fast and efficient offensive campaign. The team covered 65 yards in just three plays, consuming just 57 seconds of the clock and catching the Seattle Seahawks defense by surprise with the intensity and precision of the plays.

The sequence began with a six-yard run from quarterback Drake Maye, followed by a precise 24-yard pass to Mack Hollins in center field. The final play, a 35-yard deep throw into the end zone, sealed the score, and the extra point converted by Andy Borregales confirmed Patriots’s first seven points of the game.

Construction of the advantage of Seattle

Before New England’s reaction, Seattle Seahawks had established their dominance on the scoreboard in a methodical manner. Kicker Jason Myers was a key player, converting four field goals from varying distances: 33, 39, 41 and again 41 yards.

These scores were crucial in keeping Seattle’s team in the lead during the first three quarters, sapping the opposing defense’s confidence and controlling the pace of the game.

The lead was extended early in the final quarter with a 16-yard touchdown on a pass from quarterback Sam Darnold to tight end AJ Barner. The successful extra point put the score at 19-0, establishing a difference that seemed decisive until Patriots responded.

Quarterback performance in the decision

The confrontation between the quarterbacks has been one of the central points of the Super Bowl LX narrative. Drake Maye of New England Patriots finished the touchdown drive with precision, but his overall performance to date has included ups and downs.

As of the score, Maye had completed 10 of 20 passes for 119 yards and the touchdown. However, he also suffered a crucial fumble earlier in the game, which was recovered by the Seahawks and halted a promising advance.

On the side of Seattle Seahawks, Sam Darnold presented a more consistent and safe performance. Ele completed 17 of 34 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown, committing no interceptions or fumbles.

Darnold’s ability to manage the game and avoid capital errors was crucial for Seattle to control possession and establish the lead on the scoreboard, forcing Patriots to race against time in the final stretch.

Offensive highlights in land and air attack

In the running game, Seattle Seahawks demonstrated superiority with running back Kenneth Walker III, who accumulated 105 yards on 20 attempts, including an explosive 30-yard run. Sua performance was vital to wear down the Patriots defense and control the clock. In Seattle’s aerial game, receiver Cooper Kupp was the most targeted target, with 6 receptions for 61 yards, while AJ

On the New England Patriots side, the attack focused more on the aerial game, with Mack Hollins emerging as the main highlight by recording 3 receptions for 67 yards and the crucial touchdown. In the ground game, Rhamondre Stevenson led the team with 23 yards on 7 attempts, while quarterback Drake Maye contributed 21 yards on 4 carries, using his mobility to escape defensive pressure and gain important first downs.

The intense battle in the defensive trenches

Both teams’ defenses fought an intense battle throughout the match, with specific players standing out in defensive statistics. Pelo Seattle Seahawks, linebacker Ernest Jones IV led the team with 7 total tackles, 6 of which were solo, showing his ability to contain opposing offensive plays. The pressure on the quarterback was a strong point, with Derick Hall recording 2 sacks, while Milton Williams, Byron Murphy II and Devon Witherspoon also contributed to taking down the Patriots quarterback. Pela defending New England, defensive back Craig Woodson was the most active player, accumulating 9 total tackles, 7 of which were solo. The lack of interceptions on both sides until this point in the game highlights the caution and precision of the quarterbacks under pressure, in addition to the strong marking of the secondary.

General statistics reflect control of Seattle

The overall numbers of the match illustrate the control that Seattle Seahawks exercised during most of the match. Seattle’s team gained 297 total yards, more than double the 143 yards accumulated by New England Patriots. Essa difference is also reflected in the number of first descents, with Seattle obtaining 17 against just 7 for New England.

Match conditions at Levi’s Stadium

The NFL final is being played under favorable weather conditions at Santa Clara, with a temperature of 14°C. The match, which started at 8:30 pm local time, is overseen by the refereeing team led by Shawn Smith, ensuring the application of the rules in one of the biggest sporting events in the world.