A Seattle Seahawks defender has detailed how preparation and coaching helped unlock an edge against New England in the Super Bowl.
Devon Witherspoon pointed to head coach Mike Macdonald as the key figure in identifying a tendency that Seattle was able to exploit.
The cornerback explained how that discovery shaped the defensive approach from the opening snap.
Seahawks praise Mike Macdonald for Super Bowl game plan
Seattle’s defense controlled large stretches of the Super Bowl by consistently disrupting the Patriots offense.
Devon Witherspoon said that success stemmed from film study and a clear plan designed by Macdonald.
“I knew what was going on,” Witherspoon said. “We had a good tell on what they like to do and how they like to play and how they were going to attack us.”
He added that the preparation allowed players to trust what they were seeing on the field.
“Coach put us in the best position to win,” Witherspoon said. “That’s our coach right there. That’s why we always stand beside him and always have his back.”
Witherspoon details Patriots offensive line tendencies
Witherspoon also explained how Seattle identified specific habits along the Patriots front that could be attacked. He said those tendencies made it easier to anticipate protection schemes and apply pressure.
“We had a tell on their guards and their tackles, how they like to set, they’re going to overset on certain rushes, they’re going to fall for certain moves any time a group of guys get after them, and today I think we did that.”
The Seahawks were able to turn those reads into consistent disruption, translating preparation into control throughout the game.
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