Once again, we find ourselves at a moment that feels like a national sports holiday, even if it falls on a Sunday night. At 6:30 PM Eastern Time, the nation tunes in for Super Bowl LX, featuring the Seahawks against the Patriots. These two franchises met 11 years ago in Glendale, Arizona, where a dramatic final play defined the game, with Russell Wilson”s pass intercepted by Malcolm Butler just a yard from the end zone. Now, they return to face off once more.
The Seahawks, aiming for their second consecutive title, and the Patriots, who have had their ups and downs, showcase a vital lesson: the importance of having the right coach and quarterback. This formula can prevent prolonged periods of struggle, as seen with the Giants and Jets.
With Mike Macdonald now leading the Seahawks, reminiscent of Pete Carroll”s earlier success, and Sam Darnold stepping into the role once held by Wilson, they embody a successful franchise model. For the Patriots, Mike Vrabel commands the sidelines in his first year, paired with second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who is making his Super Bowl debut, mirroring Tom Brady”s legendary career.
The Giants, on the other hand, are focused on what the Patriots have achieved under Vrabel and Maye. With veteran coach John Harbaugh set to take over in Jersey in September of 2026 and Jaxson Dart entering his second year, Giants fans are justified in dreaming of a brighter future, perhaps as early as next season.
As for the Jets, uncertainty looms. They are still assessing what they have in Aaron Glenn, while their quarterback situation remains unresolved. Ironically, Darnold, once the Jets” third overall pick, will be playing for the Seahawks in this Super Bowl.
Throughout NFL history, many quarterbacks have faced adversity and made remarkable comebacks. Darnold”s journey is particularly noteworthy, as he reflected, “You have to embrace failure and learn from your mistakes.” This sentiment rings true for the Giants as they strive to overcome past errors since their last Super Bowl appearance against the Patriots.
Since their last Super Bowl, the Giants have seen a dramatic decline, with only one playoff appearance in over a decade. Conversely, the Seahawks have maintained a competitive edge, with only one losing season in the last decade. The Giants have not achieved a winning season since finishing 9-7-1 in Brian Daboll”s first year.
While Seahawks general manager John Schneider is not without faults, his ability to navigate player changes, including moving on from Carroll and Wilson, has kept the team relevant. If only the Giants could replicate Schneider”s success with Joe Schoen at the helm, particularly in retaining key players.
Schneider”s keen eye for talent has been instrumental in the Seahawks” resurgence, as he recognized potential in Macdonald and acquired Darnold when the Vikings let him go. The combination of the right coach and quarterback has proven effective for both Seahawks and Patriots.
As the Giants and Jets observe this year”s Super Bowl without representation, the Jets have missed out on 59 of the last 60 Super Bowls, while the Giants last won four championships, although it”s been quite some time since their last.
As we approach another Super Bowl without their teams, especially for Giants fans, there is a yearning to echo the famous line from “When Harry Met Sally”: “We”ll have what they”re having.”
It is also worth noting that only two Black coaches have ever won the Super Bowl: Tony Dungy and Mike Tomlin. As the NFL and sports in general continue to evolve, celebrating diversity and recognizing achievements remains crucial.
In a broader sports context, as we witness athletes like Brooks Koepka attempting comebacks and Carlos Alcaraz breaking records in tennis, the narrative of resilience and success transcends sports. The Garden in New York will undoubtedly embrace rising stars like Jose Alvarado, and the legacy of sports journalism continues to thrive with figures like Larry Merchant, who turns 95 next week.
In conclusion, while the Giants and Jets watch Super Bowl LX from the sidelines, there is hope that the right leadership will soon return them to relevance in the NFL landscape.
