Sam Darnold starred for Seattle, continuing a remarkable turnaround that has defined his season. The quarterback posted 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, helping the Seahawks post a 14-3 record and clinch the top NFC seed. Seattle signed Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal after his breakout year in Minnesota, with about $3 million in bonuses this season, including $500,000 for Sunday’s win.
Seattle’s playoff run has been swift and convincing. They crushed the 49ers 41-6 in the divisional round, then Darnold produced 346 yards and three touchdowns against the Rams to seal the conference championship.
Darnold’s arc has been unlikely: two years ago he was backing up Brock Purdy in San Francisco, and now he’s leading Seattle toward its first Super Bowl appearance since 2014. The path from that moment to a league-leading season and a championship appearance underscores a striking transformation.
Seattle now advances to face the New England Patriots in Santa Clara, aiming to add a second Super Bowl title to the franchise’s history and to cap a season defined by Darnold’s late-career surge.
With Mike Macdonald in his second year as head coach and Darnold playing at a high level, the Seahawks entered Super Bowl week with newly elevated expectations and a real chance to compete for the championship.
Note: This summary reflects the report published by The Big Lead.
