Patriots Show Signs of Life but Miss Key Opportunity
It seems the Patriots have finally sparked a bit of life, which, perhaps, gives fans a glimmer of hope for the 2026 Super Bowl. But, well, they were pretty much dominated for most of the game until this point.
Then, some puzzling decisions by head coach Mike Vrabel undermined any shot they had at a comeback.
Just fifty-seven seconds after the Seahawks established a 19-0 lead early in the fourth quarter, the Patriots managed to score their first points. Drake Maye connected with Mack Hollins for a 35-yard touchdown pass.
However, instead of opting for a two-point conversion to bring the deficit to just eleven points, the Patriots decided to kick the extra point. This brought the score to 19-7.
A successful two-point conversion could have changed the game dynamics, placing the Patriots in a position to tie later with a touchdown and another two-point conversion. But, with a twelve-point gap, they still needed two touchdowns against a tough Seahawks defense—which seems pretty daunting.
Fans on social media quickly pointed out the odd choice. “Why didn’t Vrabel go for two? Eleven points feels, you know, a lot different from twelve,” remarked Stephen Chia from Barstool Sports.
John Breech from CBS chimed in, noting how straightforward the two-point conversion seemed: “I’m surprised they went for just the PAT.” Maybe, just maybe, Vrabel was taken aback by his team scoring at all.
High school football coach Kevin Kelley put it bluntly, “After a touchdown, the plan has to be two points there. Then another touchdown and two points to keep pace. Now, they’re still two touchdowns behind.”
After forcing the Seahawks to punt on their next drive, the Patriots found themselves again in a tough spot. Maye threw an interception on a second-and-three from New England’s 44-yard line, less than nine minutes left on the clock.
Seattle then capitalized, kicking a field goal with just over five minutes remaining, pushing their lead to 22-7, and ultimately sealing the game with a 29-13 victory.
