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znModeratorAdam Archuleta@AdamArchuleta
I’ve rewatched the Super Bowl a few times now. One thing that stood out:– Seattle used a lot of different motions and formations that specifically clouded the keys, reads and responsibilities of the New England defense.
– I had to watch some plays multiple times to make sure what the proper rules and keys needed to be to defend certain plays.
– Several times I said to myself, “Man, that’s tough” because of the conflicts.
– I didn’t see much of this from New England’s offense, with very few adjustments. I don’t see how you can expect to beat a defense as fast, physical, and instinctual as Seattle’s without attempting to change the picture and put them in conflicts.
– Some offenses motion just to motion, but the good ones understand defensive rules and keys that are specific to that defense.
– I don’t think you can be a mostly static offense and consistently beat good disciplined defense in todays game.
– every time they tried to run it – the Seahawks ran the same weak side B gap blitz! They stuffed it before they even got started. Patriots didn’t start to counter with perimeter runs in 2nd Half – weird game.
– On multiple Witherspoon blitzes, Patriots actually had it blocked up, but his time up, speed and athleticism beat the protection. One of the best blitzing days I’ve seenznModeratorThe #Rams are expected to hire Tennessee’s Michael Hunter as a defensive backs coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
Does that mean Pleasant is leaving?
znModeratorfrom The Athletic, NFL Power Rankings (Feb 10): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7033954/2026/02/10/nfl-power-rankings-super-bowl-seahawks-patriots-takeaways/?campaign=16838376&source=athletic_targeted_email&userId=603890
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1. Seattle Seahawks (17-3)
Last ranking: 1The takeaway: Defense is back!
This may be an exaggeration overall, but every game the Seahawks played this season against anyone but the Los Angeles Rams should have come with a parental warning for violence. Seattle led the league in both points allowed (17.2 per game) and defensive EPA (12.5 per 100 snaps), according to TruMedia. Against everyone but the Rams, those numbers improved to 15.6 and 15.
2. Los Angeles Rams (14-6)
Last ranking: 6The takeaway: The real runners-up
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the games that the Rams and Seahawks gave us this year. Seattle won two of three, and every game was a banger. The aggregate score was 88-85 in favor of the Seahawks. None of the games was decided by more than four points, and the games featured 10 lead changes. League MVP Matthew Stafford says he’s coming back next year, so expect both of his games against Seattle next year to be in prime time.
znModeratorIf Stafford and Maye were on the same team, Stafford would be the starter, and Maye would be the backup.
roberto clemente@rclemente2121
in case there was any doubt…vs the top 10 pass defenses
(passer rating allowed):stafford:
19 tds, 1 int, 111.3 passer rating
26.7 offensive pts per game avgmaye:
6 tds, 5 int, 82.9 passer rating
19.0 offensive pts per game avg* includes postseason
znModeratorThis guy is just-plain-likeable. I’m sorry.
Right. And I suppose Mike Martz wasn’t?
(Kidding. Martz wasn’t.)
znModerator"When you have that much pressure and that many sacks, that's on the playcaller."@markschlereth on the Patriots' lack of adjustments. pic.twitter.com/uC60O78ibU
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) February 9, 2026
znModeratorOne of the stats that pointed toward Maye was common opponents. Pats were 6-0 and Rams were 4-2. I think the QB stats in those 6 games favored Maye.
I also think what Maye can do with his legs was a significant point in his favor.Stafford was better and more deserving. The little statistical counterarguments don’t persuade me a bit. I’m with Jim Everett, who says that east coast analysts and sports guys tend to watch east coast teams and they just didn’t see the Rams that much.
As for opponents the 2 teams did not have in common, they were better teams on the Rams side and weaker ones on the Patz side. Stafford faced tests and passed, Maye didn’t and coasted.
I honestly believe there was no good argument for Maye being that close to Stafford in the voting.
znModerator"I'm watching Stafford against this Seahawks defense and he looks like Lewis Hamilton. Drake Maye yesterday looked like a student driver. He was completely overwhelmed."@colincowherd thinks it's clear the moment was too big for the young Patriots QB pic.twitter.com/tvVQmAEZZg
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 9, 2026
znModeratorThe 33rd Team@The33rdTeamFB
The Patriots allowed a sack on 14.8% of their dropbacks in the postseasonAmong 181 teams to play multiple games in a single postseason since 2000, that sack rate ranked 179th
znModeratorJohn Frascella (Football)@NFLFrascella
With that – unimpressive? – NFL season over, here are my Updated Quarterback POWER RANKINGS considering this year, the last couple years, and the future:Tier 1:
1. Matthew Stafford
2. Patrick MahomesTier 2:
3. Josh Allen
4. Lamar Jackson
5. Joe Burrow
6. Sam DarnoldTier 3:
(Everyone is VERY close, here)
7. Jordan Love
8. Caleb Williams
9. Bo Nix
10. Brock Purdy
11. Dak Prescott
12. Drake Maye
13. Jalen Hurts
14. Trevor Lawrence
15. Jared Goff
16. Baker Mayfield
17. Justin Herbert
18. Aaron Rodgers
19. Bryce Young
20. Daniel Jones
21. Jayden DanielsTier 4:
22. Tyler Shough
23. Kyler Murray
24. Malik Willis
25. Jaxson Dart
26. Mac Jones
27. Cam WardTier 5:
28. Joe Flacco
29. Kirk Cousins
30. Jacoby BrissettTier 6:
(These guys are also VERY close)
31. CJ Stroud
32. Jameis Winston
33. Davis Mills
34. Shedeur Sanders
35. Marcus Mariota
36. Spencer Rattler
37. Tua Tagovailoa
38. Geno Smith
39. Michael PenixTier 7:
40. Russell Wilson
41. Mitchell Trubisky
42. Joe Milton
43. Tanner McKee
44. Tyson BagentTier 8:
45. Anthony Richardson
46. Drew Lock
47. Quinn Ewers
48. JJ McCarthy
49. Josh Dobbs
50. Dillon GabrielznModeratorMaybe the Oline is important in foot ball.
After all these years, I am slowly and reluctantly–against bitter internal opposition–coming to see it that way.
znModeratorJust people during the game saying in twitter that Stafford deserved the MVP, in spite of the complaints from some.
And more of that.
JimEverett@Jimeverett
The REAL Bowl was the NFC Championship. The more I see the Seahawk D, the more ♥️ for MVP Stafford/Rams O success against them.The league MVP voting, IMHO, is the latest example of the eastern US bias in the NFL. Specifically, West Coast teams receive way less media coverage from the NY entity.
The selection was way too close but should’ve never been so if one witnessed Stafford’s play.
Drew Davenport@DrewDavenportFF
So some still think the schedule for Drake Maye wasn’t important in the MVP conversation or….Matthew Stafford threw for 831 yards against Seattle in his last two games against them.
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from https://www.si.com/nfl/rams/onsi/the-closeness-of-rams-matthew-stafford-s-mvp-win-was-foolish
The win caused immense debate and while some argued Maye deserved to win, there was always a question on if Maye’s value could translate to success against top defenses, something Stafford proved he could pull off. On Sunday night, during Super Bowl LX, we found out answer. The margin of victory was foolish and the voters almost robbed Stafford of one of the most deserved MVPs in NFL history.
… If Maye won the MVP and did what he did on Sunday night, the award would lose all credibility. Against the same defense, two weeks apart, Stafford ripped them apart while Maye struggled to get a first down.
znModeratorThe Riley Mills sack. At about the 1:40 mark of the vid.
It was Aaron Donald-like.
Or else the Pats Oline is horrendous.
w
vGeoff Schwartz@geoffschwartz
Just watched all the Seattle defensive pressures against New England. Just a masterclass by the Seattle defense.
New England had zero answers for anything. No hot adjustments. Maye looked lost. Even when he was able to avoid it his throws were poor. There was nothing easy in the pass game when NE was able to block up 4.
One thing that stands out clearly is the speed of their defense. Even when rushing 4 the Seahawks defense played much faster and with more confidence. They’re more physical and forceful.
Seattle was also showing man by running across with motions and then playing zone which confused the offense.znModeratorSeattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots | 2025 Super Bowl LX
znModeratorMatthew Stafford in 3 games vs. this Seahawks defense:
961 yards
8 TDs
0 turnovers
110.8 ratingImagine voting for Drake Maye or Justin Herbert for MVP over Matthew Stafford.
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) February 9, 2026
znModeratorME: there were all posted in the superbowl game thread but I put them here too, so they’re in 2 places. Just people during the game saying in twitter that Stafford deserved the MVP, in spite of the complaints from some.
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Eric Weddle@weddlesbeard
Staff vs Seahawks looks a bit different than Maye. We know what were talking about when it comes to MVP and levels to QB play.HoldenCantor@HoldenCantor
Matthew Stafford threw for 8 touchdowns 0 interceptions and 961 yards against this Seahawks defense. Shoutout to the MVP voters that voted StaffordColin Cowherd@colincowherd
Just a reminder. Matt Stafford IN SEATTLE vs this defense two weeks ago. 22 x 35. 374 yards. Three touchdowns.Nate Atkins@NateAtkins_
Still amazing to think Matthew Stafford had 8 TDs and 0 turnovers on this Seahawks defense in his last two matchups, both in Seattle.He’s the MVP for reasons beyond that, but those games were the highlights.
Rams-Seahawks felt like the real Super Bowl at the time and feels that way tonight, too.
Football Scout 365@DraftAnalyst365
There are levels, and while Drake Maye is talented, he’s nowhere near the level of decision-making you see from Matthew Stafford. That doesn’t mean Maye is any less important to the Patriots, but more of his offensive output has to be manufactured through play calling.Stafford is essentially another OC on the field, making checks and changing protections.
That’s a big reason why the Rams marched up and down the field vs. the Seahawks.
Richard Sherman@RSherman_25
So when the MVP arguments are had. This tape should end that discussion. Stafford put on a master class against this same defense that Maye has 18 yards against currently with 7:34 left in the 3rd Q.He has had a great season and will have an MVP in his future but it was Stafford year.
znModeratorNate Atkins@NateAtkins_
Rams-Seahawks felt like the real Super Bowl at the time and feels that way tonight, too.znModeratorGeoff Schwartz@geoffschwartz
I’m not sure what New England can do differently on offense if they can’t block.
I think they hope to block up a pressure and hit an explosive. They need a few of those. Break a few tackles on a long run. A Darnold turnover would helpFootball Scout 365@DraftAnalyst365
There are levels, and while Drake Maye is talented, he’s nowhere near the level of decision-making you see from Matthew Stafford. That doesn’t mean Maye is any less important to the Patriots, but more of his offensive output has to be manufactured through play calling.Stafford is essentially another OC on the field, making checks and changing protections.
That’s a big reason why the Rams marched up and down the field vs. the Seahawks.
Colin Cowherd@colincowherd
Just a reminder. Matt Stafford IN SEATTLE vs this defense two weeks ago. 22 x 35. 374 yards. Three touchdowns.Richard Sherman@RSherman_25
So when the MVP arguments are had. This tape should end that discussion. Stafford put on a master class against this same defense that Maye has 18 yards against currently with 7:34 left in the 3rd Q.He has had a great season and will have an MVP in his future but it was Stafford year.
Nate Atkins@NateAtkins_
Still amazing to think Matthew Stafford had 8 TDs and 0 turnovers on this Seahawks defense in his last two matchups, both in Seattle.He’s the MVP for reasons beyond that, but those games were the highlights.
Bill Barnwell@billbarnwell
Darnold’s been great at turning would-be sacks into incompletions or gains with his legs, but he’s left some throws on the field.Isaac@imr__01
I really hope McVay and Snead are watching this game and realizing what a legitimate CB1 can do. The Rams defense can go from a bad unit to a great unit with one addition.Bucky Brooks@BuckyBrooks
Seahawks have Maye out of sorts with their combination of pressure and coverage. The constant harassment has quickened his clock, while the “vision and break” coverage has forced him to throw into tighter windows. Overall, the 2nd year looks overwhelmed by it all and his misfires have prevented the Patriots from taking advantage of some favorable opportunities.znModeratorSteve Wyche@wyche89
Seattle’s pressure is too much right now. The Pats’ said this week they have to locate Witherspoon and Emmanwori pre-snap. They might know where they are but they have no answers so far.Bucky Brooks@BuckyBrooks
Will Campbell’s playoff struggles continue to haunt the Patriots. The rookie OT is struggling with speed and power off the edges. With the 30 minute halftime break, Josh McDaniels will need to come up with a better plan to help Maye have more time to pass in the 2nd half.Eric Weddle@weddlesbeard
Staff vs Seahawks looks a bit different than Maye. We know what were talking about when it comes to MVP and levels to QB play.trey wingo@wingoz
JSN has 1 catch for 4 yards in the 1st half. This is what Vrabel learned so well from Belichick: don’t let the other teams best player beat you. Vrabel never coached under BIll but he’s by far the best Belichick discipleChase Daniel@ChaseDaniel
Patriots are calling a VERY conservative game offensively…..McDaniels knows they are outmatched in the trenches
znModeratorScott Kacsmar@ScottKacsmar
If you got a long developing play, burn it. Pick something else tonight. These defenses are in attack modeFishkiller@FV_Mylia_Lynn
Njigba has already dropped 2 passes Puka would’ve caught. Wrong guy got OPOYHoldenCantor@HoldenCantor
Matthew Stafford threw for 8 touchdowns 0 interceptions and 961 yards against this Seahawks defense. Shoutout to the MVP voters that voted StaffordKJ The Rams Fan@KJTheRamsFan
Yeah the Patriots line has been awful but Drake gotta be better than that, he let his left guard land in his lap while doing his best statue impressionRoss Tucker@RossTuckerNFL
Both defensive coordinators WAY ahead of their counterparts right now.znModeratorfrom quora
Guardians of the Deep: Dolphins Shield Humans from the Ocean’s Apex Predator.
In October 2004, off Ocean Beach in Whangarei, New Zealand, lifeguard Rob Howes and his daughter Niccy were in the water when a pod of dolphins unexpectedly encircled them.
According to eyewitnesses and lifeguards, the dolphins formed a tight circle around the pair, repeatedly guiding them back toward shore. Soon after, a great white shark—estimated to be about three meters long—was seen nearby.
For roughly 30 to 40 minutes, the dolphins held their formation, using tail slaps and sudden bursts of movement to deter the shark. They only broke away once it swam off, allowing the swimmers to return safely. The encounter is often referenced as a powerful example of dolphins’ social intelligence and coordinated protective behavior toward humans.
znModeratorWyatt Miller@wymill07So if one’s winter, we’re not going to change it to summer, but you might change it from 42 degrees to 39 degrees
Ah, big reveal. With a high pick for the first time in years, the Rams are looking for colder players.
I think the Chicago game might have influenced that.
znModeratorWyatt Miller@wymill07
Really interesting insight from Les Snead on how having 2 first-round picks slightly altered the Rams’ scouting process without taking away from their work on later-round selections (which they’ve had a lot of success with in recent years):
znModeratorIn 99 I was unsure about the Rams because of the cupcake schedule. They ended up proving to be a legit-great team.
One of my favorite moments from 99 has been talked about before but there’s never too much of a good thing.
When the Vikings playoff game was coming, we all remember how the blue board got flooded by Vikings fans on a flame war mission. One repeated flame line was that the Rams hadn’t played anyone, and that Minnesota was the real team.
Then when the game came, and after the 3rd quarter explosion of 21 points (Horne, Faulk, Jeff Robinson) the broadcast showed a guy in the St. Louis crowd with a sign that read “we still haven’t played anyone.”
I don’t see this Patz team has having the advantages that Rams team had. They have a qb and 1 receiver in Diggs, and the rest is just efficient weapons. It’s not Warner, Bruce, Holt, and Faulk.
The Patz chance in this game turns on being a defense that can disrupt Darnold’s rhythm. If they can make Darnold sputter, they could win it.
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znModeratorYeah, inside the 5 yard line shouldn’t count.
Because all QBs throw for 18 of those every year. It’s like the starting point.
I actually encountered a Patz homer in twitter who was fighting in the MVP wars, who said that with all those short redzone TD passes, all Stafford did was dink and dunk. I did reply to others with that argument that Stafford also led the league in 20+ yard TDs. What I wanted to say and didn’t was that there are simply not a lot of qbs in NFL history who did not dink and dunk when throwing within 5 yards or less of the endzone. They could throw it long but if they did they would have to worry about hitting some fan in the stands with the ball.
znModeratorBoston Ball IQ@BostonBallIQ
honestly Maye got robbed….46 TDs? But no one points out how 18 came within the 5 yard line… 🤯
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You're as bad at this as Maye is at throwing inside the 5.
Stafford had 9 more TDs on 3 more pass plays inside the 5.
Maye is one of the least efficient passers that close despite 3rd most attempts.
You're dogging Stafford for being better at something. https://t.co/JxH9e1pjwK pic.twitter.com/Q1uzqlCKr0
— Scott Kacsmar (@ScottKacsmar) February 7, 2026
znModeratorThe Sonny J highlight — I have ‘never’ seen that. Damn.
Sonny Jurgensen, who played QB for the Eagles and Redskins over an 18-season NFL career that landed him in the @ProFootballHOF, has died. pic.twitter.com/XjAhRbziPj
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano) February 6, 2026
znModeratorPro Football Rumors@pfrumors
After he was passed over for a promotion to head coach, Jim Schwartz has resigned as the #Browns’ defensive coordinator:znModeratorNicki Jhabvala@NickiJhabvala
Matthew Stafford confirmed he’ll be back in 2026:znModeratorSonny Jurgensen has one of my favorite highlights.
Rest in Peace to a legend. pic.twitter.com/uORtYaG3B1
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) February 6, 2026
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