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Seahawks Aim for Second Super Bowl After 14‑Win Season, Facing Patriots Feb 8

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  • Ahead of potential final game with Seahawks, RB Kenneth Walker III is firing on all cylinders
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Ahead of potential final game with Seahawks, RB Kenneth Walker III is firing on all cylinders (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold says oblique feels ‘really good’ ahead of Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold says oblique feels ‘really good’ ahead of Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • The 'Dark Side' rises. How the Seahawks defense powered Seattle to the Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    The 'Dark Side' rises. How the Seahawks defense powered Seattle to the Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Sam Darnold's season as a backup with the 49ers helped him reach the Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Sam Darnold's season as a backup with the 49ers helped him reach the Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Macdonald's focus on defense a perfect fit for Seahawks heading into Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Macdonald's focus on defense a perfect fit for Seahawks heading into Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Shrewd moves in free agency and NFL draft helped GM John Schneider build Seahawks' Super Bowl roster
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Shrewd moves in free agency and NFL draft helped GM John Schneider build Seahawks' Super Bowl roster (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold says oblique feels ‘really good’ ahead of Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold says oblique feels ‘really good’ ahead of Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • The 'Dark Side' rises. How the Seahawks defense powered Seattle to the Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    The 'Dark Side' rises. How the Seahawks defense powered Seattle to the Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Sam Darnold's season as a backup with the 49ers helped him reach the Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Sam Darnold's season as a backup with the 49ers helped him reach the Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Macdonald's focus on defense a perfect fit for Seahawks heading into Super Bowl
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Macdonald's focus on defense a perfect fit for Seahawks heading into Super Bowl (Credit: via ap) Source Full size
  • Shrewd moves in free agency and NFL draft helped GM John Schneider build Seahawks' Super Bowl roster
    Image: King5 (Seattle, WA)
    Shrewd moves in free agency and NFL draft helped GM John Schneider build Seahawks' Super Bowl roster (Credit: via ap) Source Full size

Seahawks Secure 14‑Win Season and Patriots Super Bowl Opponent The Seattle Seahawks finished the regular season with a franchise‑record 14 victories, earned the NFC’s top seed, and will meet the New England Patriots on Feb 8 at Levi’s Stadium. General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the team’s readiness, noting the win‑to‑win momentum from Lumen Field to the Super Bowl venue. Both the defense’s dominance and the offense’s consistency are cited as reasons the club believes it can capture a second championship [5][7][1].

“Dark Side” Defense Leads League in Points Allowed and Turnovers Seattle’s defensive unit, self‑named the “Dark Side,” allowed the fewest points per game (17.2) and ranked among the top seven in sacks and interceptions league‑wide. Coordinated by Macdonald, the scheme frequently deploys five or more defensive backs, while Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II tied for the team lead with seven sacks each. The unit’s depth, highlighted by rookie safety Nick Emmanwori and edge rusher Boye Mafe, has been praised as a key factor in the playoff run [1][5].

Quarterback Sam Darnold Reports Full Health Ahead of Super Bowl Starting quarterback Sam Darnold played through an oblique strain suffered on Jan 15, missing limited practice time but completing 37 of 53 passes for 470 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in the two playoff wins. He told coaches he feels “really good” after Wednesday’s practice and is on schedule with his rehab, while head coach Macdonald noted a gradual increase in his practice reps. Darnold’s health and poise are viewed as essential for Seattle’s offensive execution against New England [2][4].

Veteran Receiver Cooper Kupp Joins Seahawks as Offensive Force Multiplier After being cut by the Los Angeles Rams in February 2025, former MVP Cooper Kupp signed with Seattle, returning to his Washington roots. Coach Macdonald described Kupp as a “force multiplier” who elevates the entire offense, and Kupp’s late‑game touchdown in the 31‑27 NFC championship win over the Rams underscored his impact. His presence is expected to stretch the Patriots’ secondary in the upcoming Super Bowl [3][7].

General Manager John Schneider Credits Long‑Term Moves for Championship Run Schneider, now in his 16th year with Seattle, highlighted the 2022 trade of Russell Wilson that yielded All‑Pro cornerback Devon Witherspoon, left tackle Charles Cross, and edge rushers Boye Mafe and Derick Hall. Recent free‑agency signings—including Darnold, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and Kupp—combined with recent draft successes to create one of the NFL’s youngest yet most talented rosters. Schneider believes these strategic decisions have positioned the Seahawks for back‑to‑back 14‑win seasons and a shot at the title [7][5].

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Timeline

Feb 3, 2025 – The Los Angeles Rams cut veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp and post on X that they are seeking a trade, confirming his imminent departure from the only NFL team he has ever played for [4].

Feb 5, 2025 – Two days after his release, Kupp signs with the Seattle Seahawks, returning to his Washington roots in Yakima and Eastern Washington University [4].

2022 – Kupp earns MVP honors in Super Bowl LVI, catching the winning touchdown that secures the Rams’ championship on their home field [4].

Nov 30, 2025 – Seattle shuts out the Minnesota Vikings 26‑0, the franchise’s first shutout since 2015 and the Vikings’ first since 2007; Ernest Jones IV scores his first NFL touchdown on an 85‑yard interception return [30][29][28].

Dec 4, 2025 – The Seahawks, coming off the 26‑0 shutout, seek a playoff push against the Atlanta Falcons, with linebacker Ernest Jones IV fully healthy and the defense ranking fourth in the league in sacks [27][26].

Dec 7, 2025 – Rashid Shaheed returns a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, sparking Seattle’s 37‑9 victory over the Falcons; the win features three forced turnovers and marks the team’s first 100‑yard kickoff return TD since 2015 [25][24].

Dec 8, 2025 – Seattle improves to 10‑3, tying the Rams for the NFC’s best record but remaining behind them in the division tiebreaker after a Week 11 loss at SoFi Stadium [23].

Dec 14, 2025 – Kicker Jason Myers sets a franchise record with six field goals, including a 56‑yard game‑winner, as Seattle beats the Indianapolis Colts 18‑16; Darnold finishes the drive that sets up the final kick [21][22].

Dec 19, 2025 – The Seahawks erase a 16‑point fourth‑quarter deficit to defeat the Rams 38‑37 in overtime, becoming the first NFL team to win on an overtime two‑point conversion; Darnold throws the OT touchdown to Jaxon Smith‑Njigba [20][19][18].

Jan 4, 2026 – Seattle clinches the No. 1 seed and the NFC West title with a 13‑3 win over the 49ers, sealing the division crown for the first time since 2020; Darnold completes 20‑of‑26 passes for 198 yards with no turnovers [17].

Jan 5, 2026 – The Seahawks secure the top seed and a first‑round bye, and head coach Mike Macdonald says the team “played incredibly hard and together” to earn the advantage [16].

Jan 14, 2026 – Lil Jon headlines the halftime show for Seattle’s divisional‑round playoff at Lumen Field, marking the first top‑seed hosting since 2014 and adding a high‑energy intermission to the game [15].

Jan 16, 2026 – Seattle enters the divisional round as a seven‑point favorite over the 49ers; Darnold leaves practice early with oblique discomfort, prompting the team to list veteran Drew Lock as a backup [14].

Jan 17, 2026 – A panel of analysts predicts the Seahawks will defeat the 49ers in the divisional round, citing the team’s stingy defense and improved ground game [2].

Jan 18, 2026 – Seattle dominates the 49ers 41‑6 to reach the NFC Championship, while Denver beats Buffalo 33‑30 in OT; the conference‑championship matchups are set and Super Bowl 60 is scheduled for Feb 8 at Levi’s Stadium [1][5].

Jan 22, 2026 – Defensive lineman Leonard Williams tells reporters, “I was just expecting it to happen this way,” ahead of Seattle’s NFC championship clash with the Rams; Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford notes the team “operates as normal” despite MVP talk [13].

Jan 25, 2026 – Seattle activates reserve running back George Holani and rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo from injured reserve, making them eligible for the NFC championship after Zach Charbonnet’s season‑ending knee injury [12].

Jan 26, 2026 – Cornerback Riq Woolen admits his taunting penalty “cost the team a touchdown,” as the penalty leads to the Rams’ late‑game score; Seattle still clinches the NFC title, with Cooper Kupp catching the decisive TD against his former Rams [10][9].

Jan 26, 2026 – Sam Darnold is slated to start the Super Bowl for Seattle, having thrown 346 yards and three TDs in the NFC championship; the Seahawks enter as 4½‑point favorites over New England [8].

Jan 26, 2026 – ESPN analyst Field Yates reports Darnold earns a $500,000 bonus for reaching the Super Bowl, adding to earlier playoff incentives [11].

Jan 31, 2026 – After Charbonnet’s injury, Kenneth Walker III assumes a larger workload, averaging 4.7 yards per carry in the playoffs and stating his only goal is a Super Bowl win [7].

Feb 4, 2026 – Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald calls Cooper Kupp a “force multiplier” who lifts the entire offense, highlighting Kupp’s impact on the receiver room and overall team performance [4].

Feb 8, 2026 – Super Bowl 60 takes place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California; the Seattle Seahawks face the New England Patriots in the championship game [1][9].

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