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Super Bowl 60 has reached halftime, with the Seattle Seahawks leading the New England Patriots, 9-0. Much to nobody's surprise, the game has been a slugfest as two dominant defenses have dictated the pace. Here are the instant reactions from Levi's Stadium from USA TODAY's NFL reporters at the big game:
Jarrett Bell: First shutout in Super Bowl history? Seahawks chase history
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It hasn’t happened yet.
The defining moment of Super Bowl 60? No.
A touchdown? Nope.
A shutout? Never in Super Bowl history.
And maybe.
The Seahawks are one half away from pitching the first shutout in Super Bowl history. If they can pull it off with “The Dark Side” defense, it would surely mark the crowing achievement that separates this unit from the Seattle predecessors known as the “Legion of Boom.”
The Patriots have mustered all of 51 yards and two first downs, and the Seahawks hammered Drake Maye more than three sacks would indicate.
Now for some quick history: Two teams were held to a paltry three points in a Super Bowl as New England plastered the L.A. Rams, 13-3, in Super Bowl 53, and the Cowboys spanked the Dolphins, 24-3, in Super Bowl B 6. Just figured to put that out there.
Nate Davis: Patriots show concerning inability to move the ball
Should we be surprised? Drake Maye may have been a finalist for league MVP, but he and the Patriots – remember they had one win in the regular season against a team with a winning record – continue to show a concerning inability to move the ball against elite defenses in the playoffs. And Seattle is serving a reminder that no defense is more elite than the one that allowed the fewest points in the regular season and just six to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the playoffs. Better be some serious adjustments occurring in New England’s locker room during what should be a welcome extended halftime.
Tyler Dragon: Kenneth Walker III, Seattle's run game the difference
The first half was a defensive battle as each offense struggled to get into a rhythm. But Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III had runs of 29 and 30 yards that set up a field goal.
Seattle’s run game has been the difference. Walker has 94 yards on the ground and 100 total yards from scrimmage. Walker is the leader in the clubhouse for MVP.
The Seahawks defense is dialing up the pressure on Drake Maye. The Patriots quarterback was sacked three times through two quarters. New England is averaging just two yards per play. The Patriots are feeling the pressure from the ‘Dark Side’ defense.
Ayrton Ostly: Which defense will make the first mistake?
None of us should be surprised this is a low-scoring affair. These were two of the best-coached defenses in the league this season. But each unit is clamping down in different ways. New England's secondary is blanking Jaxon Smith-Njigba (one catch on seven targets) and Seattle's defensive line is hounding Drake Maye with three sacks.
The only player somewhat immune to the defensive struggle is Kenneth Walker III – who still had multiple key drops that stymied progress from the Seahawks' offense. This will come down to which defense makes a mistake or two. Until then, expect more issues for both quarterbacks.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Super Bowl 60 halftime reactions: Lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever?
