SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 3 (UPI) — Coach Mike Vrabel said Monday he expects an “identity battle” to take place when his New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl X on Sunday.
A small earthquake rocked San Ramon, Calif., on Monday morning, but hours later more soil in the Bay Area moved south as Patriots and Seahawks players opened Super Bowl week in San Jose.
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Players on both teams presented questions that were as unpredictable as a bouncing football. Fans flocked to the San Jose Convention Center just to catch a glimpse of the NFL stars. Hundreds of reporters shouted questions, ranging from the mundane to the bizarre.
But one thing is clear: Vrabel’s Patriots and coach Mike McDonald’s Seahawks’ articulated identities. Neither coach was willing to budge before competing for the Lombardi Trophy.
“It’s going to be a great status matchup for us,” Vrabel said. “It’s going to be an identity battle on the biggest stage. They play hard. Their defense runs the football. They force a lot of turnovers.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold answers questions during opening night of Super Bowl LX on Monday at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. Photo: John Angelillo/UPI
“They’re committed to running the football. This is a physical football team … it’s going to be a big challenge.”
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Vrabel’s Patriots have similar characteristics. The Patriots and Seahawks rank in the top four in both points scored and allowed. In 2025, they also rank among the top 8 in yards gained and yards given up.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (left) and quarterback Sam Darnold pose for a photo during opening night of Super Bowl LX at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California on Monday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
MVP candidate Drake Maye led the Patriots to the fourth-most passing yards in the NFL. The Patriots also ranked sixth in rushing.
Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks rank eighth in passing yards and 10th in rushing.
New England Patriots quarterback Derek Meyer answers questions Monday during the opening night of Super Bowl LX at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. Photo: John Angelillo/UPI
The Seahawks defense ranks third against the run and 10th against the pass. The Patriots rank sixth against the run and ninth against the pass.
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A key difference between the two teams this season is the Seahawks’ strength on special teams, specifically in return. They ranked third in kick and punt return averages. This element that helps with field position could be crucial in a game between two tough defenses.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel fielded questions during opening night of Super Bowl LX on Monday at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California. Photo: John Angelillo/UPI
The team that establishes dominance in the areas it values is likely to win Super Bowl LX.
“We’re going to do everything we can to play a great football game,” Darnold said. “Execute the way we know how to execute.”
NFL fans react to the live broadcast of Super Bowl LX on opening night at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, California on Monday. Photo: John Angelillo/UPI
Neither coach revealed specific details in their game plan, but McDonald also plans to implement strategies that have been successful for the Seahawks before.
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“We’re going to stick to our process,” McDonald said. “The way we want to play is we always want to be in control but every game we adjust based on what the opponent is doing.
“But at the end of the day, we have to do what we’re really good at. Right now, that’s our plan.”
Vrabel’s presence could be an advantage for the Patriots. The coach, who won three Super Bowls as a Patriots linebacker, learned a lot from those games. He expects that knowledge to pay off in the Bay Area this week, when players face potential disruptions.
“I think everything is going to play out towards the end of the week and the things we can focus on may be different than this football game; the warm-up time before the game, the length of halftime,” Vrabel said. “All those things are going to be a little different. We can try to draw on everyone’s experience.”
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The Seahawks and Patriots will practice this week at their respective training facilities at San Jose State University and Stanford University, which are about 22 miles apart.
“It’s just another challenge,” Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez said. “We’re playing another one of the best teams in the NFL. We’re excited about it. Get ready to play another game with the guys on Sunday.”
The Seahawks held the title by 4.5 points. As of Monday night, the cheapest price for Super Bowl LX tickets on the secondary market was about $5,000.