After taking a 17-10 lead into the half, the New England Patriots would begin the third quarter on defense. Rookie Chandler Jones' second sack of the afternoon would help to force a three and out for the Seattle Seahawks' offense.
Anchored by a 35-yard reception from reserve tight end Daniel Fells, the Patriots would take the ball right back down the field and convert for another Stephen Gostkowski field goal to secure themselves a 20-10 lead early in the third quarter.
Both teams would come out and trade punts after neither offense was able to get much of anything going. However, just when the Patriots began to drive and got the ball into Seattle territory, Tom Brady would under-throw Deion Branch by at least two yards and have his pass intercepted by Seahawks' cornerback Richard Sherman.
The Patriots' defense would hold the Seahawks to a three and out, forcing another Jon Ryan punt with just a couple of minutes left to play in the third quarter.
Seattle defensive end Jason Jones was called for a personal foul to end the third quarter, setting up the Patriots deep inside Seahawks' territory as the third quarter came to a close.