Seahawks Quarterback Sam Darnold Revels in Team Bonding Ahead of Championship Clash
Seattle Seahawks star quarterback Sam Darnold recently shared his positive outlook during a press conference, drawing parallels between the team hotel environment and the immersive experience of training camp. He expressed genuine enjoyment in the camaraderie, highlighting moments spent with teammates, sharing snacks, and seamlessly transitioning between the practice facility and locker room. In essence, Darnold is focusing on maintaining a relaxed and rejuvenated mindset as the Seahawks prepare for Sunday's final showdown against the New England Patriots.
Good Morning Football Panel Weighs In on Super Bowl 60 Prospects
The Good Morning Football crew, featuring Kyle Brandt, Jamie Erdahl, Manti Te'o, Seth Rollins, and Willie Colon, has been actively analyzing whether the Seahawks can secure victory in Super Bowl 60. Their discussions offer valuable insights, with one panelist emphasizing the expectation of a mistake-free performance from quarterback Sam Darnold, underscoring the critical role he plays in the team's success.
Kenneth Walker and the Rushing Attack: A Key to Victory
Super Bowl XLIII champion Willie Colon pointed to the Seahawks' running game as a decisive factor. He noted that Kenneth Walker and the rushing attack led the league in attempts during the season, suggesting that Seattle can win the Big Game if they effectively run the ball. This perspective aligns with comments from New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who has acknowledged that struggling to stop the run could spell trouble for his team. In the 2025 season, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker accumulated an impressive 221 rushing attempts for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing the potency of their ground game.
Protecting the Football and Relying on Defense
Former Chicago Bears linebacker Manti Te'o offered a counterpoint, arguing that the Patriots' run-stopping capabilities are underrated. He highlighted defensive tackle Christian Barmore and his teammates as formidable obstacles, making it challenging to run against them. Te'o believes the Seahawks' path to victory lies in avoiding turnovers and protecting the football. He emphasized that Seattle's strength is its defense, advocating for a strategy that relies heavily on this unit to secure a win.
Sam Darnold's Role in Avoiding Critical Mistakes
WWE superstar Seth Rollins brought attention to Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson's struggles against the Patriots, citing a November 2025 game where Robinson managed only 12 carries for 46 yards. While Rollins hopes Kenneth Walker can maintain momentum, he contends that the outcome ultimately hinges on Sam Darnold's performance. The quarterback's ability to throw downfield and utilize weapons like veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp is crucial. Rollins stressed that if Darnold avoids interceptions, fumbles, and holding the ball too long, the Seahawks stand a strong chance of winning the Super Bowl.
Seattle's Defense Against Potential Patriots Quarterback Scenarios
GMFB host Kyle Brandt outlined a clear scenario: if Darnold throws a couple of interceptions, the Seahawks are likely to lose. Conversely, if Darnold plays a clean game, Brandt doubts this Patriots team can defeat him. He humorously noted that the Seahawks would only lose if Matthew Stafford started for the Patriots, a possibility dismissed since Stafford announced at the NFL Honors 2026 that he is returning for the 2026 season. Brandt acknowledged that while the Seahawks defense has struggled against Stafford in the past, they remain incredible against other opponents, highlighting their overall defensive prowess.
