Super Bowl LX: Seahawks-Patriots notable matchups to watch

Christian Gonzalez vs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

One of the more exciting matchups of the game is between Patriots’ corner Christian Gonzalez and Seahawks’ receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Both players are in their third year in the NFL, and have already made a statement for themselves as stars.

Gonzalez had proved to be the lockdown corner that the Patriots hoped for when they drafted him. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl this season, and has allowed career low 53.6% completion percentage when targeted in the regular season. In the playoffs, he has been even better allowing only a 40.7% completion percentage.

Against the Broncos in the AFC Championship, he had arguable his best game of the season. He recorded one sack and the game-winning interception in the fourth quarter, his first interception all season.

However, going up against Smith-Njigba is no joke. Smith-Njigba led the regular season with 1,793 yards, which is more yards than he had the previos two years combined. In the NFC Championship, he led the way with 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown. Smith-Njigba also led the league with nine game of 100-plus receiving yards.

Drake Maye vs Seahawks D-Line

Quarterback Drake Maye has had quite the turnaround in year two with the Patriots. He finished fourth in the league with 4,394 yards and third in touchdowns with 31. He also finished one vote behind Matthew Stafford for NFL MVP. Maye has been a big part as to why the Patriots finished with the number three total offense in the regular season.

However, Maye will be going up against a Seahawks defensive line that is one of the best in the league. They allow the least amount of points per game with 17.2, and are the third best rush defense allowing 91.9 yards per game. They also finished seventh with 47 sacks.

The best part about the Seahawks defensive line is that they are not solely relying on one player. Four players finished the regular season with at least six sacks, and seven finished with at least six tackles for a loss. Lineback Ernest Jones IV led the team with five picks, which was also second in the league.

Maye being on the injury report is also another reason why the Patriots must find ways to avoid the chaos of the Seahawks defensive line.

The Turnover Battle

The turnover battle might be the most important factor to Sunday’s game. The Patriots do not turn the ball over, averaging under a turnover a game in the regular season. However, the Seahawks finished with 28 turnovers, mostly thanks to quarterback Sam Darnold‘s 14 interceptions, which was third in the league. They also led the league with 13 fumbles lost.

On the other hand, the Patriots finished middle of the pack in takeaways in the regular season, but have completely taken over in the playoffs. The Patriots have eight turnover in three playoff games, which leads all playoff teams.

The Seahawks finished with 25 takeaways in the regular season, which placed them sixth in the league. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence led the league with three fumbles recovered with two of them being returned for touchdowns. The Seahawks have kept the pressure on in the playoffs, with five takeaways in two games.

Both teams will look to take advantage of the turnover battle. Last time, it was a goal-line clinching interception from Malcolm Butler that clinched a 28-24 Super Bowl victory for the Patriots. Yet this time, the Seahawks are looking to get their long-awaited revenge.