The redemption of Mike Vrabel versus the redemption of Sam Darnold. That’s sort of how Super Bowl XL shapes up.
Vrabel’s story is well documented and familiar to Titans fans who watched him get fired two years ago, and then after sitting out 2024, is back and has rebuilt the New England Patriots seemingly overnight, even using a handful of ex-Titans players and coaches as part of that process.
On the other sideline, Darnold is the first reclamation project quarterback to be in a Super Bowl in many years. Back in the day, it was fairly common as guys like Jim Plunkett, Craig Morton, Doug Williams, Chris Chandler and Rich Gannon led teams to the Super Bowl after being given up on by other organizations.
But Darnold is the first in a while to get that chance.
Vrabel will have the Patriots ready to play, even though this will be the first foray in the Super Bowl for many of his players, including second-year QB Drake Maye.
But it feels like the Seahawks have the most complete roster in the NFL on both sides of the ball. Darnold has avoided the fatal mistakes that have plagued him in seasons past. If he can do that, he could complete the revitalization of his reputation.
Seahawks 24, Patriots 20