Despite their dominance throughout the season, the New England Patriots are seemingly being given no chance to win their Super Bowl matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. All season long, the Patriots have faced easy-schedule talk after all they’ve done is continue to win week after week. 

Without a doubt, the self-proclaimed “road warriors” face a difficult challenge. But it’s not as impossible as people are making it seem. If the Patriots are to hoist their seventh Lombardi Trophy, then they must emphasize these three keys to beat the Seahawks.

1. Contain Seattle’s Run Game. Force Darnold Heroics

If there’s one thing the Seahawks do an excellent job at, it’s running the football. Their rushing attack tandem of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet has been unstoppable this season, rushing for 123.3 yards per game. The Seahawks, however, will be without Charbonnet due to a torn ACL he suffered in the team’s divisional round victory against the San Francisco 49ers. His absence was felt despite their NFC Championship victory, managing just 75 rushing yards. 

Opposing teams have had difficulties running against the Patriots, as they ranked sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (101.7). Although they’ve allowed over 100 rushing yards in seven of their last eight-regular season games, the Patriots’ defense returned to its lockdown form with linebacker Robert Spillane and defensive lineman Milton Williams back, allowing a combined 214 rushing yards across three playoff games. 

Even though the Seahawks’ run game won’t be as effective without Charbonnet, containing it should be a top priority. If the Patriots can force Seattle to be one-dimensional and rely on quarterback Sam Darnold to carry the offense downfield, it perfectly sets up their pass rushers to have a field day. 

While Darnold has been one of the top quarterbacks this year, he isn’t nearly as great when he’s under pressure. According to NextGen Stats, Darnold completed just 53.7% of his passes under pressure, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions. Going up against this Patriots’ defensive line doesn’t do him any favors. 

New England has been applying pressure all postseason, combining for 69 hurries and 12 sacks, per Pro Football Focus. Generating pressure has been their formula for making the Super Bowl, and it’ll likely determine whether they win it all. 

2. Take the Pressure Off Maye By Establishing the Run Game 

The Patriots’ offense has been on cruise control all season in large part because of quarterback Drake Maye. For the majority of the playoffs, however, the MVP candidate has struggled mightily. Maye has completed just 55.8% of his passes, along with posting four touchdowns and an abysmal five turnovers. 

It’s hard to give him all the blame, considering his offensive line has given up 39 hurries and 15 sacks in the playoffs. What is clear, though, is that this trend cannot continue, and they must ease the pressure off Maye if they are to end the season as champions. 

That’s why establishing the run game early should be key for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Like Seattle, the Patriots like to run the football. Running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson have headlined their rushing attack, which ranked 6th in rushing yards (128.9). 

While McDaniels should continue to emphasize running the ball inside, he must go deep in his play-calling bag to get the Seahawks on their heels. Dialing up some end-arounds for receiver Kyle Williams and RPOs for Maye should put Seattle on the edge.

Running against the Seahawks won’t be an easy task, as they rank third in rushing yards allowed (91.9). And yet, the Patriots managed to rush over 100 yards against the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans, both of whom are top-four teams against the run. 

Knowing McDaniels, figuring out ways to run against the Seahawks will be the focal point of his game plan. If they’re able to get some yards running the ball, it’ll free up opportunities for Maye to look deep downfield on play-actions. 

3. Maye Must Protect the Ball

While Maye has transformed into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, he continues to cough up costly turnovers. It’s not the interceptions that have been a major concern; it’s the fumbles. This season, Maye has accounted for 14 fumbles, with six of them coming in the first two playoff games. 

Although he didn’t commit any turnovers in their AFC Championship win, one mistake from Maye could’ve resulted in an early trip to Cancun. On numerous occasions, head coach Mike Vrabel has emphasized ending each drive with a kick, whether it’s an extra point, field goal, or punt. He must echo this sentiment to Maye, as there’s no margin for error against Seattle’s defense. 

Their defense made life miserable for opposing offenses all season, ranking fifth in takeaways (25). From their front seven to their secondary, the Seahawks’ defense is an intimidating bunch, and Maye cannot afford to make costly turnovers. 

That means taking a sack rather than trying to extend a play and throwing the ball away instead of forcing a prayer. Ball security against this tough defense will be pivotal and ultimately decide who comes away with a win.

If Maye can protect the ball and give the defense good field position, it puts the Patriots in a good position to win. In the 10 games where Maye has been turnover-free, the Patriots are undefeated, whereas they’re 7-3 when he commits at least one.