Five Eagles-focused takeaways from the Seahawks’ win over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX
Seattle’s Defensive Masterclass Mirrors Philadelphia’s Blueprint
The Seattle Seahawks secured a dominant 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, and the defensive strategy employed by head coach Mike Macdonald felt eerily familiar to Philadelphia Eagles fans. Macdonald’s unit stifled Patriots quarterback Drake Maye throughout the contest, utilizing a pressure-heavy scheme that mirrored the Eagles’ own defensive suffocation of the Kansas City Chiefs in the previous postseason. For Philadelphia, this performance serves as validation of the defensive philosophy that emphasizes relentless front-four pressure—a strategy that, when executed perfectly as it was Sunday night, remains the gold standard for championship football.
The One That Got Away: Milton Williams
Perhaps the most stinging takeaway for the Eagles’ front office was the sight of defensive tackle Milton Williams lining up for the Patriots. Williams, who departed Philadelphia after the team reportedly never offered him a contract extension, was a disruptive force despite the loss. His father, Milton Williams Sr., revealed the emotional toll of the exit, stating, “It was like he wanted to cry,” regarding his son’s feelings about the perceived slight from the Eagles. Watching Williams contribute to a Super Bowl caliber defense in New England highlights a potential misstep in Philadelphia’s roster management, raising questions about the decision to let homegrown interior talent walk in favor of other investments.
Mack Hollins Misses Out on Second Ring
Another familiar face on the losing sideline was wide receiver Mack Hollins. The eccentric former Eagle, known for his special teams prowess and unique personality, was attempting to secure a second Super Bowl ring. Hollins has carved out a respectable career as a journeyman since leaving Philadelphia, but the Patriots’ offensive struggles—managed effectively by the Seahawks’ secondary—left him with little opportunity to impact the game. His presence in the Super Bowl, however, reminds Philadelphia of the value of depth players who can contribute on multiple fronts, a trait the Eagles must prioritize as they look toward the 2026 draft.
Coaching Connections and “The Sean Mannion Game”
Deep in the Seahawks’ coaching staff lies a peculiar connection to Philadelphia’s recent history: Sean Mannion. The former quarterback, now finding success in the coaching ranks, is remembered in Philly lore for his role in a past loss to the Seahawks (led by Drew Lock). His involvement in game-planning an offense that did just enough to support a championship defense is a subtle nod to the intricate web of NFL coaching trees. It serves as a reminder that football intelligence often comes from unexpected places, and the Eagles’ own coaching staff evaluations must remain rigorous to keep pace with innovators like Macdonald.
Draft Implications: The View from Pick No. 23
With the NFL season officially concluded, the Eagles turn their full attention to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the 23rd overall pick. The Seahawks’ victory was built on a foundation of youthful defensive speed and a power running game (led by MVP Kenneth Walker III). This blueprint puts pressure on Philadelphia to nail their first-round selection, likely targeting defensive backfield help or offensive line reinforcements to replace departing veterans. The gap between the Eagles and the newly crowned champions isn’t insurmountable, but Super Bowl LX demonstrated that speed and physical dominance at the line of scrimmage are non-negotiable requirements for lifting the Lombardi Trophy.
Objection: Is the Milton Williams Loss Overblown?
While the narrative surrounding Milton Williams’ departure is emotional, skeptics might argue that the Eagles’ defensive line depth remained a strength in 2025 regardless of his exit. Philadelphia has historically drafted well along the interior, and allocating significant cap space to a rotational defensive tackle—even a talented one—might have hindered their ability to address more pressing needs in the secondary. Therefore, while Williams’ success in New England is notable, it does not necessarily condemn the Eagles’ broader cap strategy.
Background Info: The Road to Super Bowl LX
Super Bowl LX (60) took place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium. The game featured a clash between the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks (finishing the season 17-3) and the AFC champion New England Patriots (17-4). The matchup pitted the league’s top-ranked defense (Seattle) against a resurgent Patriots team led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye and head coach Jerod Mayo. Seattle’s victory marked their second Super Bowl title, avenging their loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX a decade prior. Kenneth Walker III was named Super Bowl MVP, becoming the first running back to win the award in 28 years.
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