The New England Patriots’ dream season came crashing down in heartbreaking fashion during Super Bowl LX, as the Seattle Seahawks delivered a dominant 29-13 victory at Levi’s Stadium on February 9, 2026. The loss exposed vulnerabilities on the Patriots’ side, prompting owner Robert Kraft to deliver a rare, pointed public criticism of young quarterback Drake Maye and the broader team effort.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Kraft did not mince words during interviews and statements that quickly circulated through media channels. “I am truly disappointed in him. Across the entire team, I placed my trust and expectations in three players, especially Drake Maye,” Kraft said. “I don’t understand why he keeps making mistakes — he even threw the ball to the opposing team.” The comments highlighted Kraft’s frustration with repeated errors, particularly turnovers that swung momentum decisively toward Seattle.
The Seahawks’ elite defense lived up to its No. 1 ranking, sacking Maye six times, forcing three turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble), and limiting New England’s offense to just 13 points—most of which came in garbage time during the fourth quarter. Maye finished 27-of-43 for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and those costly picks, but his first-half output was dismal at only around 48-60 yards, reflecting the relentless pressure that left him rattled and unable to find rhythm.
Kraft’s blunt assessment extended beyond Maye, though the quarterback bore the brunt as the face of the franchise. The owner expressed deep disappointment in the collective performance, noting he had pinned high hopes on a select group of key contributors. While he named Maye explicitly, the “three players” reference fueled speculation about who else fell short in his eyes during the biggest stage.
Two players who stood out for particularly poor showings in the Super Bowl were rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Campbell, the highly touted first-round pick tasked with protecting Maye’s blind side, struggled immensely against Seattle’s pass rush. He allowed multiple pressures, including several that led to sacks and hurried throws, contributing to the offensive line’s collapse. Reports noted he permitted up to 14 pressures in the game, a staggering figure that left analysts calling it one of the worst individual performances by a rookie lineman in Super Bowl history.
Campbell even declined post-game media availability, underscoring the weight of the outing.
Diggs, acquired to provide a proven playmaker opposite emerging talents, was largely neutralized. Despite flashes in the passing game late, he finished with limited production—dropped catches, contested incompletions, and an inability to create separation consistently against Seattle’s secondary, including standout corner Devon Witherspoon. His quiet night symbolized the offense’s broader failure to capitalize on explosive opportunities, leaving fans and critics questioning the veteran addition’s impact in the clutch.
The game itself unfolded as a defensive masterclass for Seattle. Kenneth Walker III earned Super Bowl MVP honors with a dominant rushing performance (135 yards on the ground plus receiving contributions), while quarterback Sam Darnold managed the game efficiently without turnovers. The Seahawks built a commanding lead with turnovers, including a strip-sack fumble returned for a touchdown by Uchenna Nwosu, and never looked back.
Maye, showing maturity beyond his 23 years, addressed the criticism head-on shortly after Kraft’s comments surfaced. In a statement released through team channels and his social media, the second-year star apologized sincerely while owning his role in the defeat. “I want to say sorry to Mr. Kraft, my teammates, the fans, and everyone who believed in us this season. I let the team down with those mistakes—turnovers that hurt us bad—and I take full responsibility. Playing through the shoulder issue was tough, but no excuses. I learned a ton tonight, and it fuels me to get better.
This hurts, but we’ll use it to come back stronger. Thank you for the support; it means everything.”
Maye’s response drew widespread praise for its accountability and poise, especially amid the sting of a Super Bowl loss in his first appearance on the grand stage. Many fans and analysts noted the contrast: while Kraft voiced raw disappointment, Maye’s humility echoed the qualities the owner had previously lauded in pre-season praise, including comparisons to Tom Brady’s early resilience.
The Patriots’ remarkable turnaround—from a rebuilding phase to AFC champions and Super Bowl contenders—remains a success story. Coach Mike Vrabel’s leadership, defensive prowess, and Maye’s breakout campaign (MVP runner-up honors) positioned them ahead of schedule. Yet the Super Bowl exposed clear needs: bolstering the offensive line for better protection, enhancing red-zone efficiency, and addressing depth in high-pressure situations.
Kraft’s public frustration, while uncharacteristic, underscores his passion for excellence and high standards in Foxborough. As one of the league’s most respected owners, his words carry weight and likely spark internal reflection as the team heads into the offseason. For Maye, the experience—though painful—serves as rocket fuel for growth. At just 23, with elite arm talent, mobility, and now championship scars, his ceiling remains sky-high.
This Super Bowl LX defeat stings, but it doesn’t define the Patriots’ future. The core is young, talented, and hungry. With Kraft’s expectations clear and Maye’s apology signaling resolve, New England enters the next chapter determined to turn disappointment into dynasty fuel. The road back to the top starts now—stronger, wiser, and more united than ever.
