Getty

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean gave credit to both the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks defenses. However, Dean gave the edge to the Patriots on that side of the football.

 

New England Patriots Defense Playing Strong

The Patriots’ defense was a hallmark for the organization during the 2025 season. They allowed 18.8 points per game, which was fourth-best in the NFL for the season. They ranked eighth overall in total defense with 295.2 yards allowed per game, and allowed 38 touchdowns during the regular season.

The playoffs have seen their defensive rankings improve. They have been able to showcase their defensive strength against the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos. The defensive unit has allowed 209.7 yards per game and two touchdowns during that span.

The Seahawks have held their own as well. They ranked sixth in the league in total defense with 285.9 yards per game this season. They allowed 31 touchdowns during the regular season. The playoffs have seen them play at a high level despite facing talented competition. They have given up 357.5 yards in the playoffs and three total touchdowns.

Dean knows a thing or two about strong defensive play. He finished his 2025 regular season recording 55 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass defended over the course of the year. He also knows a thing or two about playing in big games, having won Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles, as they were able to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dean weighed in on Sunday’s Super Bowl and made a bold proclamation about the Patriots’ defensive unit, as WEEI reported on Friday.

“I think both defenses are top-tier. I know a lot of people keep talking about the Seahawks’ defense, but I think the Patriots’ defense is just as good, if not better, “Dean said.

Defensive Talent Ample for Patriots and Seahawks

This could be a defensive matchup for the ages. Both teams possess playmakers. For the Patriots, Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and K’Lavon Chiasson all have the chance to provide pressure up front. Williams and Chaisson have been able to rush the passer recording four and 7.5 sacks over the course of the season.

For the Seahawks, DeMarcus Lawrence and Leonard Williams be the pass-rushing anchors as well. Lawrence had six sacks on the year, while Williams had seven sacks on the year. They both had two sacks each in the playoff run leading up to the Super Bowl.

This is going to be a strong defensive matchup, and a treat for NFL fans who like defensive football. Both teams come into this game with defense as their calling card, and have multiple playmakers on line and in the secondary to complement each other. This could end up being a defensive battle for both teams, and one where the quarterbacks may get off to slow starts, in a game where the nerves will be at an all-time high. Whatever the case may be, defense will be the name of the game on Sunday, as the Patriots look for their seventh Super Bowl victory in the franchise’s storied history.

Danny Jaillet Danny Jaillet is a sportswriter with more than 15 years experience in the industry. He has been featured on Fox Sports, USA Today, and Yahoo Sports among others. He graduated from Worcester State University with a B.A. in communications and a minor in writing. More about Danny Jaillet

More Heavy on Patriots

Loading more stories