The more things change the more they stay the same. Stout defense, a proficient running game and ball security are the most important pieces in competing for championships.
Mike Macdonald and Sam darnold had a million chances to let the patriots back in that game, and they refused to.
They took the points when they had them, 3 points at a time they applied pressure to the NE offense and let their defense take control.
Darnold saw how the DBs were playing the catch point, so he backed off of the risky throws. Mike Macdonald saw that passing the ball often would be risky and that he was in store for a defensive slugfest, so he said let’s give it to Kenneth walker.
Seattle was happy to get a few first downs and pin the patriots deep, he didn’t believe their offense could march 90 yards for points, and he was right.
Absolute master class from Mike Macdonald, just do what you do best, take advantage of what your opponent allows you to, and play sound fundamental football, take all the points, and pin them deep and keep pressure applied via field position.
Far cry from the Harbaugh analytics based coaching, where “statistics show you have a better chance if you go for it in this position” with no regard for game flow or matchups.