What Raiders Can Learn From Seahawks, Patriots

The Las Vegas Raiders should take notes from the two teams in Super Bowl LX.

Jan 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek reacts during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders will, once again, watch the Super Bowl from the couch. 

The Raiders won just three games this season and landed the No. 1 overall pick, resulting in Pete Carroll being a one-and-done as a head coach. Las Vegas once again conducts a coaching search. 

Super Bowl LX features a matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. The last time we saw these teams meet in the big game, Russell Wilson threw a game-ending interception to Malcolm Butler on the goal line. 

Both teams took different paths to reach the Super Bowl, and both were effective. What can the Raiders learn from each team? Let’s break down the lessons General Manager John Spytek can take away as he tries to build a team capable of taking home a Lombardi Trophy. 

Seattle Seahawks - Defensive intensity 

Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3) reacts after a fumble recovery against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

The Raiders know they have to get it done on the defensive side of the football. 

Seattle hired Mike Macdonald from the Baltimore Ravens, and he brought his excellent defensive acumen out west. The Seahawks finished with the second-best defensive DVOA in the NFL this season, just behind the Houston Texans. 

The Seahawks have solid edge rushers, heat-seeking linebackers, and defensive backs who play with their hair on fire. Basically, all 11 Seattle defenders are going 100 MPH every play, which throws off opposing offenses’ rhythms. 

If the next head coach retains Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, his unit must play with the utmost intensity. Defensive end Maxx Crosby can help set that tempo, but finding more intense players will certainly help create a better defense. 

New England Patriots - Establishing a culture 

Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach, a former Patriot linebacker who understands the ‘Patriot Way.’ He was able to take what Bill Belichick created and revamp it. 

The Raiders need a coach who can establish a culture in Las Vegas, one where players want to play for each other and sacrifice individual success for a common goal. 

That has been a major key to their success, as MVP candidate Drake Maye has said he doesn’t care about his numbers as long as the team wins. Vrabel is a coach players want to play for. 

There is not a Vrabel-caliber coach on the market, but the Raiders can find a floor-raising coach who can also develop a solid game plan. The right coach is out there for the Raiders, which is why this hire is so important for Spytek.

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