The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Hour 2 – What Players Deal with in the Super Bowl & Why the Seahawks are Favored
Air Date: February 2, 2026
Guests: Matt Hasselbeck, Albert Breer

Overview

This episode dives into the unique psychological, strategic, and organizational challenges players and coaches face leading up to the Super Bowl. Colin is joined by Matt Hasselbeck (former NFL QB, Super Bowl starter) reporting from San Francisco, and Albert Breer (NFL journalist). The discussion covers the mental side of preparing for the Super Bowl, the pivotal matchup between the Seahawks and Patriots, and why Seattle is viewed by many as the favorite. Key narratives include how teams handle the Super Bowl spectacle, why offensive line play could decide the game, and whether either finalist is truly “great” or just the survivor of a wild NFL season.

Key Segments & Insights

Why the Seahawks Are Favored in the Super Bowl

[02:36 – 04:41, 25:38 – 31:03, 44:28 – 50:50]

• Unexpected Star Power: Sam Darnold has elevated his play to an MVP level after bouncing between teams ("MVP level play with Seattle in Minnesota. In sports, you just absolutely never know what’s going to happen." – Colin, 02:41)
• Offensive Edge: Seattle’s offense is “more explosive” than New England’s, particularly with JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) at receiver.
• Defensive Dominance: The Seahawks' front four is cited as potentially overwhelming for the Patriots’ offensive line. (Matt Hasselbeck: “The protection of Drake May would be my concern because of how good this front four for the Seahawks is.” – 15:51)
• Playmaker Showdown: Both teams share striking statistical similarities, but Seattle has the edge in the strength of schedule and “explosiveness.”
• Coaching & Continuity: Concerns are raised about Seahawks offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak’s impending departure. Hasselbeck frames it as a possible rallying point for the team to “do something special together this week” before change sets in. (18:18)

What Players Deal With In the Super Bowl: Insights from Matt Hasselbeck

[10:45 – 25:25]

The Circus of Super Bowl Week

• Routine Disruption: The byes, long halftimes, extended timeouts, and constant media attention throw players out of their comfort zones. "I’ve heard stories about Peyton [Manning]... petitioning the league to get rid of the bye week before." – Matt Hasselbeck (10:45)
• Team Experience Matters: Teams with experienced leadership handle the chaos better. The Patriots’ repeated appearances make the event "like a preseason game" for them. (11:27)
• Delegating Distractions: Well-run teams have dedicated staff handling logistics for players’ families and game prep, enabling athletes to focus on football.

Emotional & Mental State

• First Series Nerves: Colin asks about the adrenaline and memory fog of the first Super Bowl series. Hasselbeck: “I was ready to burst... You’re just dying to get out there.” (13:15)
• Stick to What Got You There: Hasselbeck shares a regret—trying too hard to force his top receiver into the game plan, prompting a quick defensive adjustment and throwing off the game. His advice: "Don’t try to do anything unique that…remember what got you here." (13:15)
  • Notable Quote: “You don’t have to do anything that you didn’t do all season long.” – Matt Hasselbeck (14:01)

Overpreparation vs. Rhythm

• Practice Philosophies: Discussion on whether resting starters or losing practice rhythm hurts late in the season. Hasselbeck says sometimes playing through injury or limited practice “makes you a better player…you don’t try to be Superman, you can be Clark Kent.” (20:19)
  • Notable Quote: “Sometimes an injury can make you a better player in a weird way.” – Matt Hasselbeck (20:19)

The Super Bowl Tunnel Experience

• Excitement Over Fear: Instead of being awed or frozen by the moment, Hasselbeck found it exhilarating—reinforced by the familiar ritual of team “songs” blaring over the loudspeakers. (24:02)
  • Notable Quote: “I can’t believe you’re paying me to do this. Like, this is awesome. I am having so much fun.” – Matt Hasselbeck (24:02)

Handling Coaches Departures & Player Focus

• Coaching Carousel: Kubiak’s impending move is a distraction, but can be turned into a motivator (“This journey that we’ve been on together, we will never be together again. We have a chance to do something together this week, and that’s it.” – 18:18)

Seahawks & Patriots: Are They Truly Great?

[27:23 – 31:44]

• Mirror Images: Both teams have statistically similar profiles—identical third-down conversions, points allowed, and blowout wins—but Seattle accomplished this against stiffer competition.
• Absence of Superstars: Query on whether this year’s finalists have true “greats” or Hall-of-Famers compared to recent Super Bowl teams.
  • “Give me a Hall of Famer from the Seahawks defense.” – Albert Breer (28:48)
  • “I like that rookie safety... My guess is Witherspoon will end up in Canton.” – Colin (29:00)
  • Both agree JSN (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) may be the best player in this Super Bowl. (29:26)
• Season of Breaks & Weird Moments: Breer argues that Seattle’s run hinged on freakish plays and “fluky” moments, such as a bizarre two-point conversion vs. the Rams that impacted the playoff seedings. (31:03)
  • “That’s how fluky this season was…Have you ever seen a play like that, that two-point conversion?” – Albert Breer (31:32)

Xs and Os: Super Bowl Tactics

[12:41 – 22:19, 44:28 – 46:39]

• Playing Your Game: Both teams want to “play their game.” For New England, that means a commitment to running, frequent screen plays, and keeping the Seahawks’ pass rush honest. (15:51)
  • “Screen game is going to be a huge thing. Josh McDaniels, huge screen guy.” – Matt Hasselbeck (15:51)
• Trickery Expected: Both coaches save trick plays for the big stage. “I lost a Super Bowl because Bruce Arians had the courage to call…a double reverse pass. Josh McDaniels, he’s got them in his bag. Patriot fans know all about the Philly Special. Trick plays are coming in this game.” – Matt Hasselbeck (16:38)
• Super Bowl Practice Routines: During the leadup, teams use the week to refine installation, manage energy, and keep routines familiar. “You’re not swinging the ax harder. You’re just simply sharpening the blade.” – Matt Hasselbeck (22:19)

Coaching and Coordinator Roundup

[46:39 – 50:50]

• Mike Vrabel’s Coaching Genius: Colin and Breer heap praise on Patriots head coach Vrabel for his intellect and leadership, saying he’s “smarter than 97% of other coaches.”
  • “Vrabel’s the one guy who never kowtowed to Belichick. Ever.” – Colin (45:47)
• Eagles & 49ers Coordinator Moves:
  • Vic Fangio possibly retiring as Eagles DC, with Jim Schwartz likely to be a top option. (46:38)
  • Raheem Morris hired as 49ers defensive coordinator—his fifth DC in as many years for Shanahan’s Niners. (49:07)
  • Discussion about how institutional continuity and “coordinator churn” affects contenders.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Distractions for Super Bowl Players:
  • “If you make it a big deal, it can be a big deal.” – Matt Hasselbeck (11:27)
• On Handling the Super Bowl Stage:
  • “For any quarterback—don’t try to do anything unique…remember what got you here.” – Matt Hasselbeck (14:01)
• On the Seahawks’ Rise:
  • “If Seattle wins by comfortably, you’ll go back and look at the book and you’ll start reading the chapters and go, ‘Oh yeah, now that’s 10 games they’ve won…including the Super Bowl by double digits.’ That’s rare.” – Colin (28:02)
• On the Weirdness of the Season:
  • “That’s how fluky this season was… Have you ever seen a play like that, that two-point conversion?” – Albert Breer (31:32)
• On Preparation:
  • “You’re not swinging the ax harder. You’re just simply sharpening the blade.” – Matt Hasselbeck (22:19)
• On Coach Departures:
  • “You know his time is not 100% on the mission. It’s a bad feeling. So...somehow make it a good thing. This journey…we will never be together again. Let’s do it together this week.” – Matt Hasselbeck (18:18)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:36] – Hour 2 kickoff, Seattle Super Bowl narrative
• [10:45] – Hasselbeck on Super Bowl week experience
• [14:38] – The “play your game” mentality and adjustments
• [15:51] – Patriots offensive strategy and Seahawks’ defensive challenge
• [18:18] – OC Kubiak’s departure and keeping team unity
• [20:19] – Injuries and practice habits before the Super Bowl
• [24:02] – The tunnel moment and being awestruck/amplified
• [25:38] – Comparing Seahawks and Patriots season profiles
• [27:23 – 31:44] – Are these teams truly great? Mirrored stats, standout players
• [31:03] – Luck, fluky moments, and turning points (two-point conversion)
• [44:28] – Xs and Os: JSN matchup, Vrabel as smart coach
• [46:39] – Eagles and 49ers coordinator changes
• [49:45] – Ranking coaching moves and NFC West personnel strategy

Tone & Takeaways

• The show retains its signature blend of opinion, sharp football analysis, and clever banter. Colin is confident and occasionally incredulous at how the season’s storylines have unfolded.
• Hasselbeck is practical, methodical, and leans on his own experiences to distill what truly matters in a Super Bowl week.
• There’s an undercurrent of awe at the unpredictability of the NFL—Darnold’s rise, (statistically) mirrored teams, and the impact of lucky breaks.
• Heavy emphasis on process over panic: teams that stick to routines, trust their advanced staffs, and avoid making the moment bigger than it is are at an advantage.

Closing Thoughts

For listeners curious about the mental and emotional rollercoaster of Super Bowl week, this episode is a masterclass. The hosts break down the technical and human aspects behind why the Seahawks are slight favorites, why neither team fits the “dominant champion” mold, and how small moments—or mistakes—could shape NFL history.

Recommended for:
Football fans interested in the “human element” of the sport, strategy obsessives, and anyone looking to understand what sets Super Bowl week apart for players and staff.