Seattle’s offense leaned on a standout performance from quarterback Sam Darnold, who went 25-for-36 for 346 yards and three touchdowns as he silenced critics in a playoff-setting showing.
Former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant publicly acknowledged his doubts about Darnold before the game, posting on X that he didn’t believe the quarterback could win this matchup. After Seattle’s victory, Bryant suggested he’d been proven wrong and expressed eagerness to watch Darnold in the Super Bowl, noting the performance was a clear response.
Richard Sherman, a former Seahawks star, praised Darnold’s execution on his podcast, calling the outing “a perfect game” for the quarterback. Sherman highlighted the stat line—25-of-36, 346 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions—as evidence that Darnold answered his critics in a big way.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba also shined for Seattle, recording 10 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown as the offense leaned on multiple weapons in a tightly contested matchup against the Rams. After the game, Smith-Njigba spoke about his gritty, determined approach and the collective effort required to reach the Super Bowl.
Postgame, Darnold credited his teammates and coaches, emphasizing the importance of the locker room and his own focus on taking it “one day at a time.” He called the squad’s performance a special group effort, underscoring that the journey to the Super Bowl was a team accomplishment.
