With the Seattle Seahawks trailing by three late in their game against the New England Patriots, Julian Love stepped up when it mattered most. As the Patriots prepared to kick a 48-yard field goal, Love managed to break through two blockers and deflect the attempt. This crucial play allowed the Seahawks to drive down the field, tie the game, and ultimately secure an overtime victory, keeping their perfect season intact.
Without Love’s critical block, the Seahawks might have faced their first loss of the season instead of achieving a dramatic win.
“Obviously they had a strong drive, we didn’t defend well, and we needed to stop them,” Love explained to reporters after the game. “It was fourth down and they were going for the field goal. I usually don’t go to the block side, but something told me to switch sides with [Rayshawn Jenkins] just for that play. I shot the gap, squeezed through, got my hands up, and made the block.
Head coach Mike Macdonald praised Love’s performance, noting that while blocking field goals is a routine practice, executing such a play in a crucial moment is truly impressive.
“No, they don’t just invent — that was the play. That’s the field goal rush at that time, without delving into strategy,” Macdonald said. “But he made a fantastic play. It’s something we practice regularly, and he executed it perfectly when it counted. That was a big-time play.”
Before this pivotal moment, Love had already delivered a strong performance with seven solo tackles, the highest total among Seahawks defenders. Since joining the team through free agency last offseason and securing a three-year, $33 million extension, Love has proven to be a valuable asset and a future leader for the Seahawks’ defense.