The run scheme that gave the Patriots defense fits was outside zone, particularly outside zone runs that either hit on the weak side or Walker bounced outside. Walker averaged 5.4 yards per rush with four runs of 10-plus yards on runs outside the tackles. Then, Seattle timed up a play-action pass off the same pre-snap motion they were using to change the strength of the formation and Barner snuck behind LB Jack Gibbens.
New England needs to find an answer to the personnel-matching problems it had in the Super Bowl, whether that's finding a more reliable base defense or perhaps a three-safety nickel package. Plus, after emphasizing it in their offseason moves (signing Dre'Mont Jones, drafting Gabe Jacas), the Patriots need to set the edge more consistently in the Super Bowl rematch.
LT Will Campbell vs. Seahawks EDGEs Uchenna Nwosu & Derick Hall
The power-rushing duo combined for a sack and seven total pressures against Campbell in the Super Bowl, who was at less than 100 percent with a knee injury. The second-year left tackle is coming off a great camp where he was fully healthy and flashed a stouter anchor than what we saw last February. Given how it looked in Super Bowl LX, we'll get an immediate litmus test to see whether Campbell's physical development and technique improvements are legit. Here's an extra nugget from NextGen Stats on Campbell's splits before and after his knee injury in Week 12:
_Before knee injury (Weeks 1-12): 11.1% pressure rate allowed, 3.1% quick pressure rate, 2.0% sack rate_
_After knee injury (Week 18-Super Bowl): 17.9% pressure rate, 6.1% quick pressure rate, 2.8% sack rate_
CB Christian Gonzalez vs. Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Gonzalez was arguably the best player on the field for the Patriots in the Super Bowl loss. The Pats cornerback covered JSN on 14 routes and allowed just one catch for 16 yards on three targets with a touchdown-saving PBU. Gonzalez also had an incredible leaping pass breakup covering a deep post intended for WR Rasheed Shaheed, but it was his work vs. Smith-Njigba, who led the league in receiving yards in 2025 (1,793), that really stood out. The two will square off in a marquee matchup once again.
WR DeMario Douglas vs. Seahawks SAFs Julian Love & Ty Okada
Although all eyes will be on A.J. Brown's first game as a Patriot, the matchup New England wasn't able to exploit due to protection issues was Seattle's safeties covering Douglas in the slot. Douglas was open downfield several times in Super Bowl LX, getting matched up against former Seahawks S Coby Bryant behind Seattle's blitzes. If the Pats can block it up better this time, Douglas, who had a great camp this summer, will be running free on multiple occasions.