The Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love had the Patriots figured out before his fourth-quarter interception even happened. Love, a seventh-year veteran who played his college ball at Notre Dame, was caught on mic explaining Drake Maye’s tendencies to teammate Coby Bryant during Super Bowl LX on Feb 9.
The Patriots quarterback, in just his second NFL season, had started to find some rhythm after a dismal three quarters. Maye connected with Mack Hollins on a touchdown to cut Seattle’s lead to 19-7 early in the fourth quarter. Love, however, saw something the third overall pick from the 2024 draft didn’t realize he was revealing.
Seattle Seahawks, Julian Love
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) walks off field prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
According to NFL Network’s Ari Meirov, Love told Bryant about a specific tell in Maye’s game.
“Classic young quarterback. As soon as the back foot hits, he’s going to where he wants, but he’s pausing for a second to confirm he’s open. He’s not blindly doing it like Stafford,” Love explained on the field.
#Seahawks S Julian Love before his INT of Drake Maye in the Super Bowl:
“Classic young quarterback. As soon as the back foot hits, he’s going to where he wants, but he’s pausing for a second to confirm he’s open. He’s not blindly doing it like Stafford.”pic.twitter.com/GSofZP93Ut
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 11, 2026
Love Jumped the Route After Reading Maye’s Pre-Snap Mechanics
The interception came minutes after Love’s observation. Maye, facing pressure, launched a pass downfield without a clear target. Love read the play perfectly. He picked off the throw and returned it to New England’s 36-yard line, effectively ending any hope of a Patriots comeback with under nine minutes remaining.
The comparison to Matthew Stafford revealed how Seattle’s defense prepared. Stafford, who won a Super Bowl with the Rams in 2022, trusts his arm and receivers immediately. Maye, at 23 years old, still shows hesitation that veteran defenders can exploit.
New England’s offense managed just 331 total yards, with much of that production coming late in garbage time. Love finished the game with one interception alongside his defensive teammates who combined for six sacks on Maye.
Seattle’s Defensive Gameplan Exposed Patriots’ Second-Year Quarterback Completely
Seattle Seahawks, Julian Love
Jan 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks Free Safety Julian Love (20) intercepts the ball from Los Angeles Rams Wide Receive Tyler Johnson (18) during the 2nd quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images
The Seahawks defense dominated from start to finish. Maye, who led the Patriots to a surprising 14-3 record during the regular season, completed 27 of 43 passes for 295 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
His third turnover came on the very next drive when linebacker Uchenna Nwosu returned a pick-six to seal Seattle’s 29-13 victory at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Love’s ability to diagnose Maye’s mechanics before the interception showed why Seattle signed him to a three-year, $36 million extension in Jul 2024. The 27-year-old safety earned Pro Bowl selection this season after recording 106 tackles and three interceptions during the regular season.
The Patriots quarterback, who threw for over 4,000 yards in the regular season and earned second-team All-Pro honors, faced the best defense he’d seen all year. Seattle finished the season 14-3 and claimed their second franchise Super Bowl championship, their first since defeating Denver following the 2013 season.
Love’s mic’d up moment went viral after the game. The Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde clearly had his unit prepared for Maye’s specific tendencies. Seattle’s front seven generated constant pressure while the secondary, led by Love and fellow safety Coby Bryant, capitalized on the young quarterback’s mistakes.