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How do the New England Patriots produce a major upset and win Super Bowl LX?
After going 4-13 last season, no one associated with the New England Patriots would have thought the team would return to the Super Bowl in 2026.
However, head coach Mike Vrabel has done just that.
With second-year quarterback Drake Maye, Vrabel has led the Patriots to San Francisco and is one game away from winning the franchise’s seventh Super Bowl.
Standing in their way are the Seattle Seahawks, a team which has built itself to be a fearsome unit on both sides of the ball and will be favourites to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
However, in the Super Bowl, anything can happen.
Ahead of kick-off, this is how the Patriots can upset the odds and win Super Bowl XL.
Protect quarterback Drake Maye at all costs
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If there is one thing likely to keep Patriots fans up at night, it is going up against a Seahawks defence which takes no prisoners.
One of Maye’s struggles during this run to the Super Bowl is the fact he is getting sacked all too frequently.
He has been sacked on five occasions in each of the three playoff games the Patriots have featured in this season.
His offensive line, in particular rookie left tackle Will Campbell, have struggled to protect Maye.
If the Patriots are to be effective on offence, Campbell needs to put in a season-best performance to keep give his quarterback time to make the big plays.
Take Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba out of the game
The big offensive threat for the Seahawks is at wide receiver with Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
He has made a mockery of opposition defences and the Patriots need to find a way to take him out of the game, or at least keep him quiet.
Smith-Njigba can do it all, from generating eye-catching plays or making space for his fellow teammates, the most logical option for the Patriots would be to double-team the 23-year-old and force Seahawks QB Sam Darnold to target the less-talented receivers.
Or, will defensive coordinator Terrell Williams and Vrabel decide to stick cornerback Christian Gonzalez on the Seahawks receiver?
It will be a fascinating battle and once which could decide Sunday’s game.
Take care of the ball, cut out the fumbles
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In addition to the frequent postseason sacks, Maye has struggled to keep hold of the ball.
In the playoffs, Maye fumbled the ball six times, losing three, which is a concern after fumbling the ball just eight times during the regular season.
The Patriots are likely to be drawn into an offensive shoot-out with the Seahawks, therefore time with the ball is key.
Quarterback Maye will have to stay calm and be aware of what will be coming towards him, sometimes he can fall victim to holding on to the ball for too long, and when attempting to throw, it’s too little too late with a defender knocking the ball free.
Maye cannot afford to be losing the ball early on, otherwise, he will lose confidence in the Super Bowl pressure cooker and be forced to endure a long night in San Francisco.
Mike Vrabel uses past experience to give Patriots winning feeling
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If there is one advantage the Patriots have over the Seahawks, it’s on the sidelines, where head coach Vrabel knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl unlike his opposite number Mike Macdonald.
Winning three Vince Lombardi Trophies with the Patriots as a player, Vrabel knows what it takes to win the big game.
The noise coming out of the Patriots all season and in San Francisco is praise for how Vrabel has brought a sense of ease to his players, a stark contrast to the Bill Belichick dictatorship.
Vrabel has allowed his players to express themselves on and off the field, whilst also making each one feel valued, and not just a cog in a relentless machine.
This atmosphere is vital for the Patriots with many of this roster experiencing the Super Bowl for the first time.
If Vrabel can keep his players calm, but intense when it comes to kick-off, then New England can trouble the Seahawks in the quest for a seventh Super Bowl title.
Watch Super Bowl LX live on DAZN for only 99p
DAZN’s latest NFL Game Pass deal gives you complete access to Super Bowl LX, alongside full replays of every playoff and regular season game, for just £0.99.
The offer arrives ahead of the ultimate showdown, as Drake Maye’s New England Patriots prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks’ relentless defense with the Lombardi Trophy on the line.
In addition to every game, live or on demand, Game Pass also provides access to RedZone, NFL Network, and DAZN’s weekly original shows, including Downs 2 Business, Kittle Things, and X's & O's coaching breakdown.
