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McDaniels Accepts Blame for Patriots’ Super Bowl Pass Protection

9/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels accepted blame for the Patriots’ poor pass protection in Super Bowl LX.
He said Seattle’s defense out-everythinged the Patriots and attributed the loss to his coaching.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was sacked six times in the 29-13 loss.
Seattle cornerback Devon Witherspoon rushed Maye seven times, recording a strip-sack that produced a pick-6.

History

Historical Context

Super Bowl LII on Feb 4 2018 saw the Patriots lose to the Eagles, marking the fifth Boston-Philadelphia championship clash and the Patriots’ tenth Super Bowl appearance. The defeat highlighted offensive-line lapses that resurfaced in the 2026 Super Bowl LX, where coordinator Josh McDaniels again cited six sacks on rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The pattern underscores New England’s recurring protection struggles under Bill Belichick.

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Story summary

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels accepted blame for the Patriots’ poor pass protection in Super Bowl LX.
He said Seattle’s defense out-everythinged the Patriots and attributed the loss to his coaching.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was sacked six times in the 29-13 loss.
Seattle cornerback Devon Witherspoon rushed Maye seven times, recording a strip-sack that produced a pick-6.

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