“Concession” is Cris Collinsworth’s buzzword early in Super Bowl 2026.
The NBC analyst described a pair of third-down plays by the Patriots and Seahawks as a “concession” when both ran in passing situations in the second quarter Sunday.
The first questionable call came on the Patriots’ third drive when they faced a third-and-5 at their own 37 early in the second quarter while trailing, 3-0.
New England opted for a handoff to veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson, whom Seattle’s defenders greeted at the line of scrimmage for a zero-yard gain.
“I think this is a little bit of a concession here,” Collinsworth said before the Patriots punted. “I think they are playing this game a little bit like they did Denver a week ago in the snowstorm, with this defense from Seattle having the same impact as the snow.”
On the ensuing drive, the Seahawks rumbled into the red zone before being situated with a third-and-12 at the Patriots’ 19-yard line.
The Seahawks played it safe, handed off to veteran back Kenneth Walker III and he lost two yards.
Seattle promptly kicked a field goal to take a 6-0 edge with 11:16 remaining in the second quarter.
“That’s a little bit of a concession right there two,” Collinsworth said. “We’re seeing right now both offensive play callers understanding real estate is going to be tough to buy out here (Sunday night) and they are willing to run the ball on third-and-long just to get a field goal kicker out there.”
Defense has reigned supreme early in the game and has factored into both teams’ offensive approach, with quarterbacks Drake Maye and Sam Darnold struggling to get the passing offenses going.
Seattle has instead been leaning on its rushing attack, with Walker enjoying success.
New England punted on each of its first four possessions, and the two teams have combined for seven punts through the first nine possessions.