By Frank Pingue
SANTA CLARA, California, Feb 8 (Reuters) - The Seattle Seahawks relied on a relentless defense to beat New England 29-13 in Super Bowl LX on Sunday, denying the Patriots an NFL record seventh championship and avenging a loss to the same opponent in the title game 11 years ago.
Seattle sacked Patriots quarterback Drake Maye six times -- including one that resulted in a fumble returned for a late touchdown -- and got five Jason Myers field goals, while Sam Darnold connected with AJ Barner for a touchdown.
Sam Darnold, who has produced one of the most remarkable late-career turnarounds, is now the fourth quarterback to win the Super Bowl in his first season with a team, joining Tom Brady, Trent Dilfer, and Matthew Stafford.
"It's unbelievable. Everything that's happened in my career, but to do it with this team, I wouldn't want it any other way," said Darnold, who is playing for his fifth team in eight seasons.
"So proud of our guys — I can’t say enough good things about our defense, our special teams.
"It’s an unbelievable feeling, man. I’m so happy for the guys in our locker room and our coaches."
Seattle's Kenneth Walker III, who had 135 rushing yards and added another two receptions for 26 yards, was named the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player, making him the first running back to win the award since Denver's Terrell Davis in 1998.
The win marked the Seahawks' second Super Bowl in franchise history and their first since 2014. They suffered a crushing Super Bowl loss to New England a year later when an interception at the goal line with 20 seconds left preserved the Patriots' win.
STRIP SACK
Preseason longshots Seattle received the ball to start the game and went on an eight-play drive that set up a 33-yard Myers field goal for the opening score.
Myers doubled the Seattle lead in the second quarter from 39 yards and connected from 41 yards in the closing seconds of an opening half during which the Patriots punted on all five of their possessions.
A costly Maye fumble late in the third quarter led to the 16-yard Barner touchdown five plays later.
But the Patriots, who had not had a snap inside the Seattle 43-yard line all game, responded immediately with a touchdown drive of their own as Maye connected with Mack Hollins on a 35-yard scoring play to cut into the Seattle lead with just over 12 minutes to play.
After being pinned to their four-yard line by a 55-yard punt from Australian Michael Dickson, the Patriots’ ensuing drive ended abruptly when a Maye pass intended for Kyle Williams was intercepted by Julian Love, leading to another Myers field goal and 22-7 Seattle lead.
The Seahawks then put the game out of reach with a strip sack of Maye that saw Uchenna Nwosu scoop up the loose ball and return it 44 yards for the score.
Maye connected with Rhamondre Stevenson for a late touchdown to get New England within 16 points but the Patriots failed to recover the ensuing onside kick as Seattle went on to victory.
Maye completed 27 of 43 passes for 295 yards while throwing two interceptions.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
