WASHINGTON – The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet Sunday in Super Bowl LX, a rematch from over a decade ago. The stakes could not be higher as the Seahawks seek redemption, and businesses anticipate a positive economic impact.
In 2015, a goal-line interception cost the Seahawks a touchdown, leaving the Patriots to win 28-24. This year, the Seahawks ranked in the top ten of every major defensive category in the NFL. They also ranked first in points allowed per drive.
Seahawks fans, like Howard University student Jayden Mason, believe the defense will be enough to win.
“Our defense is much better than the Patriots’ defense,” Mason said. “Even if Sam Darnold throws an interception or two, we can get a stop and get the ball back.”
In addition, Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is considered one of the best in the league, with a 1,793-yard season earning him NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Pro Bowl honors.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have a more balanced team with strengths spread across their defense, offense and special teams.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye threw for more than 30 touchdowns with only eight interceptions, resulting in wide receiver Stefon Diggs going for over 1,000 yards.
Their defense is sufficient. However, three defensive players are listed as questionable with injuries that could affect their performance.
Patriots fans, like Howard University student Moses Malloy, believe the Patriots are more consistent and better all around.
“We have already played three top-five defenses this postseason, and I think Seattle’s inconsistency on offense will be good for us,” Malloy said. “The Seahawks only move the ball on big, explosive plays, not methodical, long drives.”
Sports journalist and podcast creator Darryl Harding Jr. analyzed both teams’ pros and cons.
“Seattle’s offense has been playing its best football all season, but Sam Darnold has had trouble in the past when the lights shine bright,” Harding Jr. said. “The Patriots’ offense has seen better days, only scoring 18 points per game this postseason.”
He said the win would ultimately depend on the quarterback play and which performed better.
Beyond the field, the Super Bowl drives significant economic impact.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the game generates hundreds of millions of dollars in local spending at restaurants, bars, hotels and retail stores.
Antonio Starkey, a DoorDash driver in Philadelphia, said he is excited for the financial opportunities the Super Bowl brings.
“I’m counting down the days to Sunday because of the Super Bowl,” Starkey said. “I already know there will be a ton of orders to pick up because of the game, so I’m going to maximize the day as best I can.”
During last year’s Super Bowl, over 5 million orders were placed, according to the DoorDash website. The same amount or more is expected this year.
Omar Gonzalez, the manager at Oohs and Ahhs on U Street in Washington, D.C., is also expecting more orders.
“We will be prepared for the amount of business Sunday brings and hope we can have a productive day,” he said.
Overall, the game is expected to generate $300 million to over $1 billion in combined spending, revenue and GDP contributions.
As Super Bowl LX brings football fans to the edge of their seats with predictions, its ripple effects in local economies highlight just how much the game impacts more than the final score.
William Armstead is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.
