The Herd with Colin Cowherd

“Seahawks Win the Super Bowl, Sam Darnold’s Epic Comeback”

Date: February 9, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

In this electrifying post–Super Bowl episode, Colin Cowherd breaks down the Seattle Seahawks’ stunning championship win, led by quarterback Sam Darnold’s poised, turnover-free playoff run. Colin dives deep into the implications of Darnold’s revival, the impressive Seahawks roster, coaching brilliance, New England’s future with rookie QB Drake May, and broader NFL trends spotlighted by this season.

Cowherd’s signature blend of analysis, storytelling, and sharp opinion sets the tone for a must-listen recap of a turning point in the NFL landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Seahawks Super Bowl Triumph and Sam Darnold’s Performance

Timestamp 05:00 – 18:00

• Colin opens in celebratory and reflective mood, labeling the game “the greatest football game I’ve ever seen. To the very last snap.”
• Highlights on Darnold’s growth: maturity, IQ, humility, and ability to avoid mistakes.

  “Go ahead and say it wasn’t about Sam Darnold. Go ahead. But it was.” (07:30)

• Emphasizes Darnold’s ability to adapt:
  • Versus the Rams, needed to be a “game changer”, made big throws.
  • Versus Patriots’ Vrabel defense: be a “manager”, smart and safe.
  • “All quarterbacks are game managers… it’s part of the maturity that Sam lacked when he was 20 and 21 and 22 in New York. He developed it.” (09:50)
• Points out Darnold’s zero turnovers during the entire playoff run, likening him to Troy Aikman, Steve Young, Drew Brees.
• Team Future: Seahawks have “6th most cap space in the league”; core roster is young and ascending; Darnold locked in for two more years on team-friendly deal.

2. The Maturity of Sam Darnold and His Place Among QBs

Timestamp 16:00 – 26:00

• Quotes Mike McDonald (SEA Coach):

  “All he’s done since he’s walked in the door has just been a tremendous player on our football team and a tremendous leader who is the same guy every day. And that’s who he is. And that’s how we need to talk about him moving forward.” (15:45)

• Stresses the importance of understanding “the why” at quarterback—contrasts between great QBs and young prospects.
  • “Quarterback is about the why. Can you walk to the line like a Brady and a Manning and a Mahomes and a Stafford and you have the answers to the test?” (20:00)
• Positions Darnold as potentially the top NFC quarterback right now, noting his mobility, arm, and leadership compared to Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, Stafford, Goff, and others.

3. Drake May, New England Patriots, and the AFC Landscape

Timestamp 18:30 – 27:15

• Details Drake May’s struggles: overwhelmed by moment, 58% completions, sacked 21 times in the postseason, seven completions on eight drives at one point in Super Bowl.
  • “Drake May yesterday looked like a student driver. He was completely overwhelmed.” (21:35)
• Mike Vrabel’s game plan and halftime demeanor reflect resignation to May’s inexperience and Patriots’ roster limitations.
• Colin sees good future for New England (“they’re a draft away”) but issues exposed—especially against stacked NFC teams.
• J. Mac’s concern: “This postseason Drake May had was so bad. I just wonder if they got bigger issues.” (33:00)

4. The Strength of the NFC West and Current NFL Trends

Timestamp 29:30 – 34:50

• Ranks Seattle, L.A. Rams, and San Francisco as on a different level from the rest of the league, comparing them to “SEC, Bama and Georgia six or seven years ago.”
• Highlights Kyle Shanahan on the defensive prowess of Seattle and Houston, and how Seattle alone consistently shut down Shanahan’s 49ers offense.

  “If Seattle doesn’t turn it over, this could be a rout… You don’t get analysts saying that before games very often.” (31:15)

• AFC playoffs were about the stars missing (Burrow, Lamar, Mahomes), while the NFC is loaded with talent and great coaching.

5. The Kenneth Walker Factor: Super Bowl MVP and Running Backs Value

Timestamp 36:00 – 41:45

• Celebrates Kenneth Walker’s Super Bowl MVP performance (135 rushing yards), notes his contract year and future market.
• Analysis of Walker’s strengths and limitations (not a pass blocker or receiver but extremely effective runner—“zero fumbles in last 650 carries”).
• Discusses potential free agency fate and teams who may be a fit if Seattle doesn’t commit.

6. Cowboys, George Pickens Tag, and Team-Building Philosophies

Timestamp 44:00 – 46:30

• Cowboys likely to use the franchise tag on George Pickens, sparking a discussion about the value of wide receivers versus strong defenses.
• Colin points to this Super Bowl and previous Eagles win as evidence defense and line play trump star receivers in the postseason.

7. Eagles, A.J. Brown Drama, and Offensive Coordinator Changes

Timestamp 46:30 – 49:00

• A.J. Brown’s comments on switching offensive coordinators and the underlying dissatisfaction in Philly.

  “He has a great heart—boy. Offensive coordinator. He’s got a great heart. What is that telling you, Kyle? That’s not a resounding vote of confidence on the guy that they got fired.” (47:40)

• Predicts ongoing drama around A.J. Brown and hints at a likely trade.

8. Darnold’s Mentality: Graciousness in Victory and Comparison to Baker Mayfield

Timestamp 52:00 – 55:30

• Contrasts Darnold’s “belief in himself” with Baker Mayfield’s “playing angry” style.

  “Baker needs to prove people wrong, whereas Darnold only needs to prove himself right. And that’s the difference.” (54:20)

• Reflects on Darnold’s post-game humility:

  “Some people called me crazy throughout my career for believing in myself so much… But, you know, it was because of my parents, because of the way that they believed in me throughout my entire career.” – Sam Darnold (56:00)

9. The Next Phase for Seattle and Darnold’s Fit

Timestamp 58:00 – 62:00

• Discusses departure of Seattle’s OC Clint Kubiak and why Darnold will thrive anyway:
  • Mike McDonald (coach) and John Schneider (GM) set high standards.
  • Darnold’s gratitude and focus means he will take team-friendly deals for the chance to win.

  “When you’ve been crapped on in life, when you had a tough start in your life, you are so grateful to be surrounded by excellent people. Sam’s not about the money. Sam is about staying on the field and surrounded by really good people, and that matters.” (59:15)

10. The Quarterback Landscape: Is Darnold Top 10?

Timestamp 70:00 – 74:30

• Argues Darnold should be considered a top-10 QB, especially in the NFC where QBs like Hurts and Purdy have plateaued or been exposed.
• Notes Darnold’s record as starter (25–5 in last 30 starts), his arm, mobility, and leadership, making him the best QB option in the NFC for a new franchise.
• Draws a contrast with highly-touted AFC QBs who failed to reach the big game.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Colin Cowherd:

  • “All quarterbacks are game managers… it’s part of the maturity that Sam lacked when he was 20 and 21 and 22 in New York. He developed it.” (09:50)
  • “Quarterback is about the why. Can you walk to the line like a Brady and a Manning and a Mahomes and a Stafford and you have the answers to the test?” (20:00)
  • “Darnold only needs to prove himself right. Baker needs to prove people wrong.” (54:20)
  • “If you look at the box score, crinkle it up and throw it away. New England was not competitive.” (26:30)

• Mike McDonald (Seahawks HC):

  • “All he’s done since he’s walked in the door has just been a tremendous player on our football team and a tremendous leader who is the same guy every day.” (15:45)

• Drake May (Patriots QB):

  • “No doubt, it definitely hurts… we didn’t play our best. And that’s what happens.” (23:40)

• Kyle Shanahan (49ers HC):

  • “Sam’s always let it rip. But when you let it rip all the time and you’re always trying to win the game, a lot of times you keep both teams in the game. And I think that’s really what’s changed with him.” (32:45)

• Sam Darnold:

  • “It was because of my parents, because of the way that they believed in me throughout my entire career. And it allowed me to go out there and play free and have a ton of confidence.” (56:00)

Key Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------| | Colin’s opening: Greatest game ever | 05:00 | | Darnold’s development & playoff performance | 09:00-18:00| | Mike McDonald on Darnold | 15:45 | | Drake May’s struggles | 20:00-27:00| | NFC West’s dominance | 29:30-34:50| | Kenneth Walker’s MVP, RB discussion | 36:00-41:45| | Pickens tag/Cowboys debate | 44:00-46:30| | A.J. Brown/Eagles transition | 46:30-49:00| | Darnold vs. Baker: Mindset breakdown | 52:00-55:30| | Darnold’s humble postgame speech | 56:00 | | OC departure, Darnold’s future in Seattle | 58:00-62:00| | NFC QB rankings/Darnold top 10 discussion | 70:00-74:30|

Episode Tone

• Classic Colin Cowherd: candid, opinionated, confident, weaving personal anecdotes and league-wide perspective
• Mix of celebration (for Seattle and Darnold), critical analysis (of AFC, New England, Drake May), and broader reflection on the evolution of NFL quarterbacking and roster-building

Summary for the Never-Listener

If you missed Hour 1 of The Herd after the 2026 Super Bowl, this episode is your definitive, passionate, and insightful take on why Seattle’s win — and Sam Darnold’s career arc — could reshape how you think about quarterbacks, team-building, and the current hierarchy of pro football.

With sharp interviews, memorable quotes, and plenty of “Only-on-the-Herd” perspective, Colin guides you through not just what happened, but what it means for the entire league.