It's been 12 long years since this.
Butler picks off Wilson to seal Patriots Super Bowl XLIX victory
Just now was the first time I've watched it since then. I still can't believe Pete didn't hand that ball to Lynch! Overcoaching is a problem even at the highest levels. Anyway, it took awhile for that moment to claim Pete Carroll's job, but in the land of the 12's this horrific decision was never forgotten or forgiven. That's harsh for sure, and I will always appreciate him bringing us a championship the year prior, but man.….it's still painful to think about.
And so, it had to be this way. A rematch! A game the Seahawks should win. I read this morning that only 11 teams in Super Bowl history have had a tougher schedule than Seattle did in 2025. The Patriots, on the other hand, enjoyed cupcake city. Are they a good team? Sure they are. Are they better than the Rams? No, they are not. My pick is coming below, but I wanted to give you a few players to keep an eye on. I'll leave the betting advice to others (for the most part). If you haven't seen much of the ‘Hawks this season the below serves as a guide for some players to keep an eye out for.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Here's an easy one! Marvel at the brilliance of NFL Offensive Player of the Year Smith-Njigba. He's already become perhaps my favorite Seahawk of all time. He has the hands and body control of a Steve Largent coupled with the speed and athleticism the Hall of Famer never had. He's also tough as shit. Future Canton inductee. Book it.
Sam Darnold
Damnit, he's winning me over. I have a long history of watching Darnold going back to his USC days when his carelessness with the ball helped my WSU Cougs to a huge win over the men of Troy. It's simple for Sam. DON'T THROW THE BALL TO THE OTHER TEAM. He'll probably get picked once in the Super Bowl, that's just the way it is. What we cannot have is a four-int day like he did in game one against the Rams this season. Klint Kubiak, before ruining his career with the Raiders, will game-plan to not have to lean on Sam for more than 20-25 throws. Is he a good QB? Yes, he is now, but his turnover demon is lurking always. If Seattle loses, it will be because Sam didn't take care of the damn ball.
Devon Witherspoon
The all-pro corner provides blanket coverage and will knock your dick in the dirt like Cam Chancellor. That's it. That's my take. This guy is a baller.
The Defensive Line
As a unit these guys afford the rest of the defense to do their work. They're run-stuffers and they get to the quarterback, and they do it without Mike McDonald having to dial up a bunch of blitzes. You cannot run on these guys. Forget it. Former Buckeye TreVyon Henderson is going to have a long day and may not play that much because he's such a lousy blocker.
Nick Emmanwari
If I had a vote for rookie of the year it would go to this second-round linebacker from South Carolina. The Seahawks felt he was a first day guy and gladly plucked him in the second. Emmawari should be called Johnny Cash because he's been everywhere. If there's a run or a short pass heading to the flat area #3 is often the first guy there. Incredible instincts and only still a rookie.
Grey Zabel
If you're going to use a first-round pick on a farm boy from North Dakota State you'd better not miss. I can't believe in the age of NIL this kid didn't head to Ohio State or something. He's so freaking good. He's huge, obviously, but still covers a ton of ground looking for blocks 30 yards down the field on a short pass or productive run play. I also heard a story about Zabel (a rookie, remember) pulling Demarcus Lawrence (what a signing that was) aside and telling him he needed to change tactics to beat the double-teams he was seeing against the Rams. Lawrence took his advice and immediately enjoyed a sack. The kid has no fear and, with health, will be the highest-paid guard in the league on his next deal.
Drake Thomas
The third-year linebacker from North Carolina State is small, but always seems to be where he ought to be. A nice guy to have rotating off the bench, especially when you consider the Raiders cast him off in 2023 for nothing. He also looks like he's having fun and is the sort of guy that can sneak up and have a great Super Bowl. (See Malcolm Smith 2013 MVP.)
Michael Dickson
In our new era of going for it from your own 20 yard line, punters have never been more in the wilderness. Dickson, the highest paid punter in the league, earns his check by simply killing your offense when called upon. High, booming fair-catches inside the 10. Deft coffin-corner death sentences. The Seahawks live on defense and special teams and he's a huge part of that.
Rashid Shaheed
The burner Shaheed came over mid-season in a trade with the Saints, and at the time I said, “All he needs to do is make a few big plays.” He's certainly done that. His opening kickoff TD was all Seattle needed in their 41-6 drubbing of the hated 49ers. The Patriots better game-plan their kicking game away from him.
Kenneth Walker III
The Michigan State man has enjoyed his healthiest season and thank God for that because his #2, the very effective Zach Charbonnet, is out. Walker will be fed early & often and has been sneaky good in the pass game. Look for receiving props for his back up George Holani. Against the Rams he only ran for four yards, but caught three passes for 27. I expect him to see some targets coming off the bench.
Cooper Kupp/Jake Bobo
Kupp is a star on the back end of a Hall of Fame career, and with #11 around the targets aren't there like they were in L.A. Bobo doesn't see many either. What both of these fellas do, however, is block their asses off. Bobo is considered by some to be the best blocking wide receiver in the game.
AJ Barner
The second-year man from the State-Up-North has been a very nice tight end this year, and if you can find a total rushes prop for him that could be fun. Seattle uses him as their "tush push" guy under the banner "The Barn Yard."
I could go on and on. I think I love this version of the Seahawks more than even the Russell Wilson/Marshawn Lynch/Legion of Boom guys. This bunch truly loves to play for one another. Five stars, no notes.
Ok, one note.….
Riq Woolen
This is probably his final game in Seattle. What was once a promising outlook has been clouded by having his head up his ass far too often. The taunting penalty he took in the NFC Championship Game nearly cost the Hawks their place in the Super Bowl. Please Riq. Play as I know you are capable. NO DOPEY PENALTIES!
Prediction, final score - Seattle 24 New England 13.
Brian Phillips is the former morning host at CD101/CD929/CD102.5 and today hosts content on buymeacoffee.com/brianphillps and on www.radiounbound.com Fridays from 4 to 7pm.