As the stage is set for Super Bowl 60, two quarterbacks—Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks and Drake Maye of the New England Patriots—head into the matchup with contrasting trajectories. The game promises to be a pivotal moment for both players, showcasing their strengths and exposing potential weaknesses.
The Seahawks have tailored their offensive strategy to amplify Darnold’s capabilities. He has thrived particularly well in play-action scenarios, demonstrating a remarkable 124.7 passer rating and a 90.4 PFF passing grade on those throws. Despite the Seahawks’ rushing attack ranking below average in expected points added, Darnold’s proficiency on early downs has kept the team competitive. He ranks second in the league with an 86.1 PFF passing grade on early downs, showcasing his ability to maintain momentum and avoid obvious passing situations.
In contrast, Maye’s 2025 season has cemented his status as an MVP candidate and a second-team All-Pro. His performance has been stellar across various metrics, consistently ranking among the top five quarterbacks in categories including clean pocket grading and efficiency under pressure. Notably, his ability to attack beyond the chains has set him apart, as he recorded a 65.0% success rate when pushing the ball past the sticks during the regular season.
Strengths and Challenges Ahead of the Big Game
While both quarterbacks possess formidable skills, their recent performances reveal areas for concern. Darnold’s early-career struggles have resurfaced at times, particularly in high-pressure situations. Since Week 11, he has exhibited a 3.9% turnover-worthy play rate and a lower-than-expected 62.3 PFF passing grade. His challenges against Cover 2 defenses have been notable, as evidenced by his 59.0 grade in that area, which could pose problems against the Patriots’ defensive strategy.
On the other hand, Maye’s postseason has been marked by inconsistency, particularly against elite defenses. His 29.0% inaccurate throw rate ranks among the worst this postseason. Furthermore, his playoff pressure-to-sack rate has risen sharply to 45.5%, creating an urgent need for improvement. Despite his previous success against common opponents during the regular season, the playoff stage has exposed vulnerabilities that could hinder New England’s chances.
Path to Victory for Darnold and Maye
In the Super Bowl, the team dynamics surrounding each quarterback will play a critical role. The Seahawks have the edge in offensive performance, finishing with the second-highest graded unit in the NFL. Darnold’s ability to excel against single-high coverages could serve as a significant advantage, especially given his impressive 85.8 passing grade against those defensive looks.
Conversely, Maye’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments cannot be overlooked. Despite recent struggles, he has shown resilience in challenging conditions, such as the AFC Championship game played against a top-five defense. His overall performance during the regular season remains strong, suggesting he has the potential to rebound when faced with favorable conditions in the Super Bowl.
As the Seahawks and Patriots prepare for this monumental clash, the performance of Darnold and Maye will be under intense scrutiny. Both quarterbacks have the capacity to lead their teams to victory, but they must navigate their respective challenges effectively to achieve success on football’s biggest stage.
