Scoop City: Inside The NFL

Episode: How Seahawks, Sam Darnold Dominated Patriots in Super Bowl LX
Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: James Palmer, Dianna Russini, Chase Daniel (The Athletic)

Overview

This episode dives deep into Super Bowl LX, where the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots 29–13. Hosts James Palmer and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel break down exactly how Seattle outplayed New England, how Sam Darnold’s story came full circle, and what’s next for both franchises. They discuss game plans, key players, coaching decisions, and the implications for the 2026 season. The show also explores the aftermath for the Patriots, team-building philosophies, and the most “miserable” post-Super Bowl fan base.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Seahawks’ Dominance in Super Bowl LX

• Prediction Accuracy

  • Both hosts revisit their score predictions and how the actual result was even more lopsided than anticipated.
  • “Honestly, it was not even that close… it was a blowout.” — Chase Daniel [04:09]

• Seattle’s Defensive Masterclass

  • The Seahawks' defensive line controlled the game from the outset, pressuring Patriots’ rookie QB Drake May and overwhelming New England’s inexperienced left side of the O-line.
  • “They were able to pressure Drake May from the start; it was a complete mismatch.” — Chase Daniel [04:57]
  • Seattle increased its blitz rate significantly in the Super Bowl, surprising the Patriots' protection schemes (Seattle blitzed 14.5% of snaps vs. their season average of fifth-lowest).
  • Devon Witherspoon had six rushes and four pressures, nearly earning MVP consideration.

• New England’s Offensive Struggles

  • The Patriots' plan for pass protection failed—no effective motion, help for the O-line, or quick adjustments.
  • “When you get hit early as a quarterback, you try not to change your psyche ... but it definitely wears on you.” — Chase Daniel [05:33]

• Josh McDaniels’ (Patriots OC) Flat Game Plan

  • Lack of aggressive adaptation, especially in the critical first half. Only in the second half did New England attempt an up-tempo offense.
  • “I thought it was a very, very motionless type of game plan, and that's putting it like, it's the opposite of aggressive.” — Chase Daniel [08:37]

2. Offensive Game Plan & Sam Darnold’s Moment

• Kenneth Walker's Rushing Prowess

  • Walker racked up 135 yards in a contract year; Seattle leaned heavily on the run after Zach Charbonnet's injury.
  • Described as “a little bit of Le'Veon Bell” in terms of patience and stop-start ability.
    “The patience... the ability to just kind of stand there and wait... not very technical, goes by feel.” — James Palmer [11:21]
  • “The touchdown was set up from the first play of the game, outside zone.” — Chase Daniel [14:00]

• Sam Darnold Delivers

  • Darnold managed the game efficiently (one sack, zero turnovers in last four games), executed timely throws, and avoided mistakes—aided by a ground game and Kubiak's scheme.
  • “You don't have to be the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback ... it's a full team atmosphere.” — Chase Daniel [17:50]
  • Hosts discuss how this Super Bowl win might change Darnold’s confidence and legacy.
    “He's proved his family right... He’s in his prime, could play 6-7 more years at a high level.” — Chase Daniel [19:34]

• Special Teams Unsung Heroes

  • Seattle's punter Dixon and kicker Jason Myers played crucial roles.
    “Jason Myers should have been the MVP… five field goals!” — Chase Daniel [18:14]

3. Team-Building: John Schneider’s Masterclass

• Seattle's Roster Construction

  • Huge credit to GM John Schneider for trading Russell Wilson, drafting wisely, and assembling a complete team—now with two different Super Bowl rosters in his tenure.
  • “It is so hard to do what you did with Russell Wilson and the Legion of Boom … and then get back and win it [again].” — Chase Daniel [22:08]

• Forward-Thinking Front Offices

  • Comparison with Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill trade and the Eagles under Howie Roseman. Both Seahawks and Eagles praised for “always looking forward” in roster management.
    [23:56]

4. Breaking Down the Patriots’ Performance and Future

• Protection Failures and Inexperienced O-Line

  • Rookie OT Will Campbell and the left side crumbled under pressure. Daniel compares Campbell's year-one struggles to Eric Fisher's in KC and urges patience for development.
  • “He was a guard, but the left tackle … most important position for a right-handed quarterback.” — Chase Daniel [32:05]

• Drake May’s Injury and Performance

  • May had painkilling injections before the game, potentially limiting accuracy and use of his legs.
  • “I think he was hurt more than a lot of people realize… all the passes… he was hesitant.” — Chase Daniel [29:26]

• Offensive Weaponry Lacking

  • No true No. 1 receiver for Drake May. Note about Diggs underperforming and Matt Collins being more of a desperation deep target.
  • “They just don’t have a number one target.” — Chase Daniel [36:31]

• New England's Path Forward

  • Must address O-line depth and receiver talent in free agency, take advantage of QB on rookie contract and Coach of the Year Vrabel.

5. Looking Around the League & Offseason Watch

• Patriots Face Tougher Road in 2026

  • AFC getting stronger: Ravens, Chiefs, Bengals, Steelers, Bills—many with new head coaches or OCs, but all with elite QBs.
  • “It’s going to be really, really difficult to get back in the situation they were in again… the road’s going to be tougher.” — Chase Daniel [40:55]

• Quarterback Carousel to Watch

  • The looming free agencies and trades: Kyler Murray, Tua, Kirk Cousins, Deshaun Watson, Mac Jones, Malik Willis, and more.
  • “Malik Willis is going to get a $50 million deal... He's going to be the first guy off the board.” — Chase Daniel [50:11]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Seahawks Defensive Domination:
  “When you get hit early as a quarterback ... the confidence in you, it just completely goes away.” — Chase Daniel [05:33]

• On New England’s Lack of Adjustments:
  “For how many flowers we give Josh McDaniels, it looks to me he didn’t recognize it until the second half.” — Chase Daniel [07:51]

• On Sam Darnold’s Growth:
  “Now he's done it… you saw him talk about his family… his dad believed in him... He's in his prime.” — Chase Daniel [19:34]

• On Team-Building:
  “John Schneider's able to do it with two defensive winning head coaches… that doesn’t happen in today’s day and age.” — Chase Daniel [23:22]

• On Patriots Weapons:
  “You’re throwing prayers to Matt Collins... They got to get a guy.” — Chase Daniel [37:22]

• On Most Miserable Fan Base Post-Super Bowl:
  “It’s got to be the Minnesota Vikings… Sam Darnold is no longer playing for you... You ruined a year with a really, really good roster.” — Chase Daniel [45:20]

• On Super Bowl Halftime Show:
  “The vibes were fire… tremendous storytelling. I was married to a Latina woman, so I was kind of [in the know]. She was translating everything for me.” — James Palmer [43:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Super Bowl Theme: [02:45–04:09]
• Seattle’s Defensive Game Plan: [04:19–08:37]
• Kenneth Walker & Seattle’s Run Game: [10:36–14:36]
• Sam Darnold’s Arc & Legacy: [16:47–20:35]
• Seattle Team-Building / Schneider: [21:48–24:37]
• New England’s O-line Woes & Drake May’s Injury: [27:31–31:25]
• Receiver Discussion & Patriots’ Future Needs: [35:53–38:04]
• AFC Landscape & Challenges Ahead: [39:09–40:55]
• Most Miserable Fan Base Debate: [44:10–47:24]
• Quarterback Carousel/Offseason Watch: [49:19–51:50]

Tone, Language & Style

The conversation is lively, detailed, and blends expert analysis with locker room anecdotes. Both hosts speak with authority and familiarity, especially Daniel with his quarterback perspective and Palmer as a plugged-in NFL insider. The tone is direct, sometimes playful, and always engaging for fans who want a real inside look at why the Super Bowl played out as it did.

For the Fan Who Missed It

If you want to understand both why Seattle dominated, and what the Patriots must do this offseason, this episode gives you the inside football details you crave—plus a few laughs about halftime shows, Vikings misery, and the perils of rookie O-lines. Essential listening for any NFL aficionado planning for 2026.