Drake Maye Matches Joe Burrow's Unwanted NFL Postseason Sack Record
Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, was meant to showcase spectacular throws and defining moments. Instead, it became a grueling, frustrating battle for New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who found himself under relentless pressure from the opening drive.
Historic Sack Ties Quarterback in NFL Record Books
The defining play came in the second half when Seattle's defensive front broke through once more, dropping Maye behind the line of scrimmage. This marked his 19th sack of the postseason, tying the NFL record for most sacks taken by a quarterback in a single playoff run. The record was originally set by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during their 2021 Super Bowl campaign.
This historic moment did not emerge from isolation. Maye entered the championship game already bearing the weight of numerous hits from earlier playoff contests against the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Chargers. Those defenses had applied constant pressure throughout the postseason, and Seattle simply continued this punishing trend on football's grandest stage.
Seattle's Defense Dominates From the Start
The tone was established early in Super Bowl LX. Seattle's defensive line consistently collapsed the pocket, forcing Maye into hurried decisions. Passing windows closed rapidly, receivers struggled to create separation, and every dropback appeared rushed. The Patriots' offense never found its rhythm against this suffocating defensive scheme.
The statistical narrative reveals the challenging postseason Maye endured. In the three playoff games preceding the Super Bowl, he completed 55.8 percent of his passes for 533 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He additionally contributed 141 rushing yards and a touchdown, frequently using his mobility to evade pressure when protection broke down.
The Weight of an Unwanted Record
The harsh reality now accompanying Maye is the statistic that links him to Burrow in the record books. Nineteen sacks across one postseason represents the highest total ever recorded, a testament to the relentless pressure both quarterbacks faced while guiding their teams to the Super Bowl despite significant protection issues.
By the time the record-tying sack occurred in Super Bowl LX, the story had become unmistakably clear. Seattle's pass rush controlled the tempo, disrupted offensive drives, and never allowed Maye to establish comfort in the pocket. This record was not the product of one disastrous series but rather accumulated week after week before reaching its historic culmination under football's brightest spotlight.
The parallel between Maye and Burrow is particularly striking. Both quarterbacks demonstrated remarkable resilience in reaching the Super Bowl while absorbing extraordinary defensive pressure, highlighting how far their respective teams advanced despite significant protection challenges.
