The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Richard Sherman Podcast

Episode: Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl Pick: Maye vs. Darnold, Seattle D, Pats X-factors

Date: February 3, 2026
Host: Richard Sherman
Guest/Co-host: Mitchell
Theme: 2026 Super Bowl preview and predictions — Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots

Episode Overview

This jam-packed episode sees Richard Sherman and co-host Mitchell breaking down the highly anticipated Super Bowl matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. The conversation is a blend of tactical analysis, personal experience, and bold predictions, as Sherman—himself a Seahawks legend—weighs in on Seattle's "revenge tour," the rising star of Drake Maye, and Sam Darnold’s career resurgence. The episode also delves into coaching impacts, defensive comparisons, and vivid recollections from Sherman's own Super Bowl journeys.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Richard Sherman Sets the Tone: Seahawks Out for Revenge

• Sherman immediately acknowledges his Seahawks bias but asserts it's "rooted in fact and structure."
• He credits Seattle's season, saying:

  "This team is good, Mitchell. They are great." (01:28)

2. Drake Maye’s Challenge vs. Seattle’s Defense

• Maye’s Mobility:

  • Maye’s ability to make pivotal plays with his legs highlighted.
  • Sherman notes his 141 rushing yards in the playoffs and key scrambles versus top defenses. (03:34)

• Mike Macdonald’s Defensive Schemes:

  • Sherman lauds Mike Macdonald’s effectiveness against young QBs, citing a 6-0 record, 8 INTs, 22 sacks allowed for QBs under 23.

  "He does a fantastic job manipulating the eyes, manipulating what you expect to see." (04:15)

• Key Patriots Weapons:

  • Kayshon Boutte's breakout in the playoffs and underrated role.
  • Not much of a dominant receiver in New England’s lineup.

• Seattle’s Defensive Strength:

  • Corners Tariq Woolen, Josh Jobe, Devin Witherspoon noted as allowing the “least yards per catch” in the NFL.
  • Swiss-army-safety Nick Emmanwori likened to “Where’s Waldo.”
  • Sherman expects Maye to "struggle"—not from lack of ability, but because Seattle's D-line “comes in waves.” (08:10)

3. Patriots Defensive X-Factors

• Sherman breaks down New England's defensive squad:
  • Marcus Jones (pick-six threat on special teams and defense), Christian Gonzalez (shutdown CB), and Carlton Davis.
  • "Milton Williams and Christian Barmore... are the lynchpins in this defense. If you cannot move them, you will not run the ball against this team." (11:13)
• Praises Mike Vrabel for the culture shift—players will "push it to the limits" for their coach.

4. Sam Darnold’s Renaissance in Seattle

• Mitchell marks Darnold’s “legitimate franchise quarterback” status after a season of adversity and growth. (13:27)
• Sherman agrees, emphasizing the importance of environment and coaching for QB development:

  "This is a lesson to general managers: Offensive staff matters; quarterback development matters. Sometimes you're getting clay, not a finished product." (14:43)

• Clint Kubiak credited for flexibility and QB nurturing, rumored to be heading to the Raiders as head coach (60:11).

5. JSN & Seattle’s Offensive Weapons

• Transition from DK Metcalf to Jackson Smith-Njigba (JSN) discussed.

• Sherman, on JSN’s composure:

  "Every great player I know is nervous before every game. But when you get to this point, you've already earned this right." (17:45)

• Motion-heavy, flexible usage of JSN acknowledged as a headache for defenses.

  “Clint Kubiak’s going to put him in the blender... He’s going to be everywhere.” (20:13)

• On trying to contain JSN from the backfield:

  “You can’t bastardize your entire defense for one guy, especially when he’s in the backfield.” (22:54)

6. Patriots Ground Game vs. Seattle Front

• Ramondre Stevenson’s ball security and Travion Henderson’s explosiveness—but pass-protection vulnerability—discussed.
• Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams’ ability to disrupt Patriots’ inside run game.

  "There's a reason the Seattle Seahawks are number one rush defense in the National Football League." (25:40)

7. Head Coach Impacts – Mike Macdonald & Mike Vrabel

• Sherman credits Macdonald's adaptability and quick organizational turnaround, plus Schneider for bold decisions (QB, WR, OC moves). (33:28)
• Vrabel’s player/coach rapport and Super Bowl pedigree seen as key for the Patriots’ poise.

  “He blurs the line between player-coach relationships... A dog can recognize a big dog.” (38:05–39:46)

8. McDaniels Offense, Super Bowl Rematch Narrative

• Sherman reflects on similarities with McDaniels’ offenses across the years:

  “It sometimes will look like an entirely new playbook... Based on the defense they’re getting.” (40:54)

• Believes Patriots will look to mimic some of Rams' success vs. Seahawks’ defense.

9. Comparison: Legion of Boom vs. Current Seahawks D

• Direct comparison dismissed in terms of style and individual stardom, but Sherman lauds the depth, discipline, and coaching of today’s Seattle defense:

  “Not a ton [of similarities]. Other than them having a Seahawks jersey on... Both great defenses in their own right.” (44:23)

• Emerging name: Nick Emmanwori, predicted to be “in the defensive player of the year conversation for years to come.”

10. Leadership & Identity in the Seahawks Defense

• Leadership seen as by-committee; Leonard Williams, DeMarcus Lawrence, Emmanwori, and Julian Love highlighted.
• On a hypothetical of taking one player from the current D back to the Legion of Boom:

  “It’d be hard to take anybody off the field, if I’m being honest... You ride with who you came with.” (49:18)

11. Home-Field Familiarity & Super Bowl Distractions

• Playing in Santa Clara seen as a minor but notable advantage for Seattle due to familiarity (52:29).
• Discipline key to avoiding distractions; veterans will emphasize not providing “bulletin board material.” (55:56)
• Sherman, tongue-in-cheek, insists, “Great opponent. Great team. Looking forward to a great matchup” when pressed for PR advice. (59:57)

12. Breaking News & Final Super Bowl Predictions

• Clint Kubiak reportedly to Raiders (60:11); Richardson debates fit for Mendoza and the importance of structure for rookie QBs.
• Raheem Morris named new 49ers’ DC; Seahawks Sale Reported: Sherman praises Morris’s fit thanks to close coaching circles and touches on legacy and pride if Jody Allen sells the Seahawks after the game (63:49).

Super Bowl Picks & Flow Predictions

Richard Sherman’s Super Bowl Script

Seattle Seahawks 24, New England Patriots 10

• Seattle scores first, sets tone with the run game.
• New England starts slow, finds footing after halftime but can’t keep up.
• Key second-half separation as Darnold and JSN take over.
• Patriots’ youth and O-line exposed vs. Seattle’s relentless defense.

"Seattle Seahawks are going to win this game by running the football... Sam Darnold is going to be a magician, a technician... JSN has his way, has a day. Clint Kubiak gets deep in his bag and the Seattle Seahawks walk away with a decisive victory." (66:01)

MVP: Sam Darnold

"Sam Darnold, the guy... this MVP throws him back in the conversation of elite quarterbacks." (68:58)

Mitchell’s Prediction

Seattle Seahawks 31, New England Patriots 20

• K9 (Kenneth Walker III) as MVP with two touchdowns.
• JSN scores; Hunter Henry is a steadying figure for New England.

"I got Seattle winning this game... K9 running away with the MVP... He runs away with two touchdowns in this game. I also like JSN to find the end zone." (70:05–71:19)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Macdonald’s success against young QBs:

  “Against quarterbacks under 23 years old, Mike Macdonald is 6-0. The quarterbacks have thrown one touchdown and eight interceptions and been sacked 22 times.” (03:59)

• On Sam Darnold’s ‘redemption’ arc:

  “Sam Darnold has proven he’s a franchise quarterback. He’s also proven that sometimes circumstances matter. Sometimes you’re getting clay, not a finished product.” (13:50–14:43)

• On Seattle’s Defensive Culture:

  “Players respect that. He’s being honest, he’s being transparent, he’s being human. But he’s also taking care of his guys and putting them in great positions...” (36:13)

• Regarding Super Bowl discipline:

  “It’s a one week trip for a lifetime of glory. Is going out and having a few drinks worth it for what you could achieve if you just stay locked in?” (55:56)

• On Patriots’ WRs:

  “You were talking a little bit about it off air. I mean, I know you like Keyshawn Booty and Stefon Diggs and Demario Douglas, but man, those are some mediocre wide receivers, Richard.” —Mitchell (59:57)

• On not swapping one player between Seattle defenses:

  “I think they feel comfortable with the group that they have... these are the guys they did it with and went to battle with all season long.” (49:18)

Key Timestamps

• 01:09 — Richard Sherman’s opening monologue/Seahawks' “revenge” energy
• 03:34 — Analysis of Drake Maye’s challenges vs. Seahawks defense
• 08:10 — Patriots’ offensive overview and Seattle secondary discussion
• 11:13 — Patriots’ defensive stars and culture under Mike Vrabel
• 13:27 — Sam Darnold’s transformation; QB environments matter
• 16:14 — Clint Kubiak’s developmental approach; JSN’s emergence
• 17:24 — On JSN's nerves and big-stage confidence
• 20:13 — How Seattle exploits matchups via offensive motion
• 22:54 — How Patriots might defend JSN in the backfield
• 25:40 — Stopping Patriots’ run game; Seattle’s dominating front
• 33:28 — Mike Macdonald’s quick impact; John Schneider’s bold moves
• 38:05–39:46 — Mike Vrabel’s coach-player dynamic and sideline interactions
• 40:54 — McDaniels’ offense; repeat matchups and philosophical shifts
• 44:23 — Comparing today’s Seattle D to Legion of Boom
• 49:18–50:26 — Leadership on Seattle defense, past & present
• 52:29 — Super Bowl stadium familiarity and its impact
• 55:56 — How to prepare and avoid distractions in Super Bowl week
• 59:57 — On handling media and PR during the big week
• 60:11 — Breaking: Clint Kubiak to the Raiders?
• 62:40 — Raheem Morris to 49ers as DC; fit & coach networking
• 63:49 — Reports of Seahawks being sold; Sherman’s thoughts
• 65:56 — Sherman's detailed Super Bowl pick & game script
• 68:58 — Darnold as MVP; redemption complete
• 70:05 — Mitchell’s pick: Seattle big, K9 MVP
• 71:39 — Episode sign-off; tease for next (Super Bowl Live) episode

Final Thoughts

The podcast is a lively, insightful preview that delivers expert-level analysis while blending humor, nostalgia, and candid predictions from one of the game’s most recognizable defensive minds. Whether you're a die-hard Seahawks fan, a Patriots supporter, or just a lover of football strategy, Sherman and Mitchell offer a clear roadmap of what to watch for on Super Bowl Sunday. Their breakdowns of coaching, player matchups, and even locker room dynamics provide superb context for the big game—even if you missed the episode.

Who they got? Seattle, convincingly—unless New England’s youth surprises everyone. Book it!