Super Bowl score: Seattle Seahawks 3 x 0 New England Patriots in the 2026 NFL final in the first quarter

Levi’s Stadium, in Santa Clara, The match started with intensity, and the first quarter already outlined a scenario of intense competition, where each play is meticulously executed and every meter on the field is hard won.

The vibrant atmosphere of the final reflects the expectation of a memorable clash, with both teams demonstrating preparation and determination to achieve the coveted league title. Os Seahawks, with a focused and strategic initial performance, managed to impose their pace from the first minutes of the game.

The match continues with the teams adjusting their tactics with each new possession, promising excitement for the next quarters. The expectation is that tactical balance and the ability to overcome will define the course of this important clash in the NFL.

Super Bowl opening and the Seahawks’ initial advantage

The first quarter of the 2026 Super Bowl final began with the Seattle Seahawks showing a consistent offensive posture, culminating in a field goal from Jason Myers. The 3-0 score, achieved at 11:58, represented the highlight of an eight-play campaign that advanced 51 yards, demonstrating the team’s efficiency in capitalizing on opportunities.

Quarterback Sam Darnold, from Seahawks, orchestrated the first offensives with precise short passes, looking for J. Smith-Njigba and A. Barner to maintain possession of the ball. New England’s defense, although under pressure, managed to limit the opponents’ advance, forcing a field goal and avoiding a touchdown right from the start.

Offensive difficulties and defensive performance in the grand final

The New England Patriots faced a challenging start, with the Drake Maye quarterback coming under pressure from the Seahawks defensive line. Ele was sacked twice, resulting in a loss of 20 yards, a significant obstacle to building offensive plays and maintaining momentum.

Despite the difficulties in converting plays into points, Rhamondre Stevenson managed some consistent runs, accumulating 17 yards in four attempts and being one of the Patriots’s main offensive weapons. However, Seattle’s defense, led by Derick Hall and Devon Witherspoon, proved relentless in containing the opponent’s attacks.

Still in the first quarter, Patriots’s attempt to advance across the field was repeatedly frustrated, with incomplete passes and limited runs. The ineffectiveness in transforming possession into significant gains prevented New England from threatening the Seahawks end zone.

The Patriots had to resort to two punts in this period, highlighting the solidity of the opposing defense and the difficulty in breaking the marking lines. The team tried to alternate between aerial and ground plays, but Seattle’s defensive coordination prevailed, keeping the score unchanged in their favor.

Partial numbers and the battle for possession in the first quarter

The statistics from the first quarter reveal a balanced match in several aspects, but with a clear advantage for Seahawks in converting points. Seattle accumulated 65 total yards on 16 offensive plays, averaging 4.1 yards per play, while New England totaled 39 yards on 13 plays, averaging 3.0 yards per play. Possession of the ball was slightly in favor of Patriots (7:44 against 7:16), but without translating this advantage into points on the scoreboard. Os Seahawks recorded four first downs, one more than Patriots, and proved more efficient on third downs, converting one of four attempts, compared to one of three for New England. Nenhuma team committed turnovers or suffered penalties that resulted in loss of yards, indicating a disciplined game so far. Seattle’s defense was key, with two sacks and four tackles for loss of yards, while New England’s defense managed one tackle for loss of yards.

Crucial plays and standout individual performances

Several players stood out in the first stages of the final. Pelo Alongside the Seahawks, quarterback Sam Darnold completed 4 of 10 passes for 54 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, showing caution and precision in key moments. Kenneth Walker III was the main runner, with 16 yards in 5 attempts, while AJ Barner stood out in receptions, with 27 yards in two catches. Seattle’s defense had Ernest Jones IV and Drake Thomas, both with four tackles, and Derick Hall and Devon Witherspoon, who recorded the crucial sacks that slowed the opposing attack.

On the Patriots side, Drake Maye completed 4 of 5 passes for 34 yards, despite two sacks suffered. Rhamondre Stevenson was the most effective runner, with 17 yards on 4 attempts. Nas receptions, Kayshon Boutte was the highlight, with 21 yards on a single deep catch. New England’s defense included Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones, who contributed two tackles each, trying to contain the offensive advance of Seahawks and keep the match open.

League history and injury absences in the match

Before this 2026 grand final, the 2025 rankings indicated the high level of the teams. Os Seattle Seahawks led the NFC Oeste with 14 wins and 3 losses, while the New England Patriots dominated the AFC Leste with the same campaign, 14 wins and 3 losses. Ambos the teams demonstrated consistency throughout the regular season, consolidating their positions as NFL powers and justifying their presence in the Super Bowl.

However, the journey to the final brought some important casualties. Os Seahawks entered the field with Jared Ivey, Robbie Ouzts, Jalen Milroe, Chazz Surratt and Mason Richman inactive due to injuries or technical decisions. Já the Patriots had the absences of Tommy DeVito, Caedan Wallace, Bradyn Swinson, Kobee Minor and CJ

Tactical advances and coaches’ decisions at the start of the game

The game strategies presented in the first quarter were marked by a clear intention from Seahawks to establish the run and open spaces for short passes, while Patriots tried a more aggressive approach with long passes, but were held back by defensive pressure. The use of timeouts by both sides indicated the importance of quick adjustments and the intensity of the match, with coaches seeking to optimize each possession of the ball and respond to the opponent’s movements. The tactical discipline was remarkable, with few fouls and an intense focus on executing planned plays.

Still to play: expectations for the next periods of the match

With the score at 3-0 in favor of the Seattle Seahawks at the end of the first quarter, the 2026 Super Bowl still has a long way to go. The expectation is that the second period will bring adjustments and new strategies from both coaches, with the Patriots seeking to reverse the disadvantage and the Seahawks trying to consolidate their lead and increase the score. The confrontation remains open, and the excitement promises to grow as the match progresses in Santa Clara.