Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has officially released the list of players who will travel to Levi’s Stadium for Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots, and the announcement has sent shockwaves through the fanbase. While the bulk of the roster aligns with expectations after a dominant season, three surprising inclusions in the starting lineup have raised eyebrows, and one glaring absence has left supporters deeply concerned about the team’s chances on Sunday.
The Seahawks, led by quarterback Sam Darnold in a career-resurgence year, enter the game as NFC champions with a balanced attack and one of the league’s stingiest defenses under Macdonald’s scheme. The team has leaned heavily on young talent, savvy veteran additions, and complementary football throughout the playoffs. Yet Macdonald’s final roster decisions reveal bold choices that could either spark a championship run or expose vulnerabilities against a Patriots squad featuring rising star Drake Maye.
The three unexpected starters begin with linebacker Chazz Surratt, who was activated from injured reserve just days ago. Surratt, a core special teams contributor and occasional pass-rusher, had been sidelined for much of the late season with an injury that many assumed would keep him out of the biggest stage. His return adds depth to the second level and boosts coverage units, but starting him over more established options surprised even some insiders who expected a more conservative approach in the trenches.
Another surprise comes at wide receiver, where speedster Rashid Shaheed earns a starting nod alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp. Shaheed, acquired as a free-agent splash, has been electric in limited snaps and special teams, but elevating him to a full-time starter role ahead of other rotational pieces signals Macdonald’s intent to stretch the field vertically against New England’s secondary. The move underscores confidence in the explosive playmaking group, but it also means leaning on a player whose consistency has been questioned at times during the regular season.
The third unexpected starter is cornerback Josh Jobe, the former free-agent pickup who has quietly emerged as a reliable boundary defender. Jobe’s inclusion in the base package over a veteran option highlights Macdonald’s trust in youth and athleticism to handle Maye’s mobility and the Patriots’ quick-strike passing game. Analysts have noted that Jobe’s coverage skills and press-man ability make him a logical fit, yet his elevation to a full starter has caught many off guard given the depth at the position.
Perhaps the most alarming news for Seahawks fans is the significant absence of a key defensive starter, widely believed to be a prominent linebacker or defensive lineman dealing with a lingering issue from the NFC Championship. While Macdonald has not publicly detailed the injury, reports indicate a high-impact defender—potentially tied to recent ankle or oblique concerns mentioned in practice updates—will not suit up or is listed as out. The missing piece leaves a noticeable gap in run defense and pass-rush rotation, forcing adjustments that could be exploited by New England’s balanced attack featuring Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
Macdonald addressed the decisions briefly during his latest press availability, emphasizing preparation and trust in the group. “We’ve built this roster to be flexible and resilient,” he said. “These guys have earned their spots through what they’ve shown all year.
We’re going to Levi’s Stadium ready to compete, and every player traveling is there because they give us the best chance to win.” He acknowledged the concerns surrounding the absence but remained optimistic, noting that depth players have stepped up throughout the postseason and the team’s complementary style—where offense, defense, and special teams feed off one another—will help mitigate the loss.
The surprises have ignited passionate debate among the 12s. Social media is flooded with reactions ranging from excitement over the bold offensive wrinkles to worry that the defensive absence could prove costly against a Patriots team that has thrived on exploiting mismatches. Some fans praise Macdonald for refusing to play it safe, seeing the lineup as a statement of confidence in the youth movement that has propelled Seattle to this point. Others fear the risks may backfire in the high-stakes environment of the Super Bowl, where execution and health often decide outcomes.
The Seahawks’ journey to this moment has been defined by resilience. After a surprising 2025 campaign that silenced doubters following roster changes and the hiring of Macdonald, the team has blended impact rookies, free-agent gems like Darnold and Kupp, and holdovers who have elevated their play. Captains Jaxon Smith-Njigba (offense), Devon Witherspoon (defense), and Brady Russell (special teams) embody that spirit, and the roster traveling to Santa Clara reflects a group unafraid to innovate.
As kickoff nears at Levi’s Stadium, all eyes will be on how these decisions unfold. The three surprise starters could provide the explosive edge needed to outscore New England, while overcoming the notable absence will test the depth and adaptability that Macdonald has preached since day one.
For a franchise chasing its second Lombardi Trophy, the stakes have never been higher—and the lineup choices have made an already compelling matchup even more intriguing.
With the game set to tip off Sunday afternoon, Seahawks Nation remains hopeful that these bold moves pay dividends. Whatever the result, Macdonald’s willingness to embrace the unexpected has already added another chapter to Seattle’s remarkable season.
