Richard Sherman Podcast - Seahawks-Patriots Reaction: Darnold Silences Critics, Seattle Defense Wins Super Bowl LX | Sherman

Welcome back to the show—love and appreciation to all of you for rocking with me, hit that sub so you never miss a drop. The Seahawks are champs, and Mike Macdonald’s plan was surgical—signals, stances, tells—they knew New England so well it felt personal, then turned it into pure execution with Witherspoon screaming off edges, Derek Hall and Byron Murphy winning up front, Uchenna cashing in, and a defense that set the tone from the opening snap.

That was one of the most dominant Super Bowls I’ve seen, like your Denver blowout. I called K9 as MVP weeks ago—how did the offensive approach strike you?

They had to lean on the run and K9 answered, stacking missed tackles and yards after contact when it mattered most. The staff protected JSN the right way after his head injury, Darnold stayed poised and took timely shots, and Christian Gonzalez put on a masterclass that kept New England afloat even as Seattle controlled the night.

Darnold was once labeled a bust, now he led the first turnover‑free postseason ever; that’s a leap. How big is that in your eyes?

It’s enormous—zero giveaways through the entire playoff run is almost unheard of, and it’s exactly what they needed. We can argue talent all day, but rings and big‑game play weigh the most, and outside of Mahomes, too many favorite names still lack that hardware, while Darnold just stacked wins without excuses.

He wasn’t just managing it either—he stretched the field and kept boxes light for K9. How central was the run game to everything?

It set the pace and the attitude, and the biggest burst only vanished on a hold that wiped a signature clip. Myers set a field goal mark, Dixon flipped the field, and if folks called it boring, that’s because two defenses played clean while Seattle hunted matchups—especially that young left side—without apology.

So many defensive stars—who popped the most for you?

You could hand the MVP to the whole unit; Witherspoon’s relentlessness, Hall’s pop, Leonard and Murphy’s presence, Jobe’s quiet excellence, Woolen’s length—everyone hit their note.

We talked about New England’s path—Chargers beat up, Texans gifting chances, Broncos without Bo Nix. Was the AFC down or was Seattle just that good?

Without Mahomes or Lamar in that bracket, it felt thin at the top, and I didn’t see any AFC team beating Seattle or the Rams this year. I called a two‑score margin and that’s how it landed.

Drake May was neck‑and‑neck in the MVP vote but struggled here; what’s his next step?

Start with protection and built‑in answers—hot reads, quicker outlets, and a true WR1 to win on demand—plus better backfield pass pro to keep him clean. On MVP talk, Stafford’s numbers and the eye test, including what he did against this defense, should’ve ended the debate.

Seattle’s core is young with room to spend—are we seeing a dynasty forming?

It’s built to last if they keep the core, retain staff continuity after Kubiak’s move, and add on offense while the defense hums; Sam’s year two in this system should only sharpen it. Re‑sign Jobe and Bryant if you can, know Woolen will have a market, and be ready to tag or pay K9.

Of those pending moves, who’s the must‑keep?

Kenneth Walker, no question—committee during the grind, bellcow when the money’s on the table; secure him and fit the rest around that identity.

You called this early, and they delivered; any final word on the legacy chatter?

Let this group be itself—no need to stack them against the LOB; appreciate the art on its own canvas. From the we‑over‑me bond I felt in camp—Gray Zabel’s glue on the line, guys sacrificing—to Macdonald’s humble, detail‑obsessed culture, this team earned every bit of it.

Seattle’s resume keeps growing, and the 12s deserve this ride; congrats to the city and this roster. It’s been a blast chopping it up with you—bring us home.

Appreciate you, Mitchell, and every listener who tapped in all year—your support means everything. Twelve, soak it in, talk your talk, parade on Wednesday, and yes, hit that sub button; your Seahawks are world champs again.