While one quarterback enters Super Bowl Sunday as the regular-season MVP runner-up, our readers believe the real story will be his counterpart’s redemption. The likes of Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Stefon Diggs remain in the mix for the Super Bowl MVP, but EssentiallySports’ Huddle readers picked Sam Darnold. It’s not difficult to see why.

56.66% of the Pete Rozelle Trophy recipients have been quarterbacks, with the number increasing to 70% in the last 10 Super Bowls. 

Sam Darnold received 42.17% of the total vote share, with many readers likely backing his experience. For context, Maye was in high school when Darnold made his NFL debut in 2018. 

In big games like this, experience and hardships can shape character. Darnold has an abundance of that, dating back to his days as a signal caller with the Jets. 

“Sam Darnold has been through so much to find the right fit,” wrote a Huddle reader. 

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Darnold has started at quarterback for five different franchises. His time with the Jets saw him go 13-38 as a starter, leading the AFC East franchise to turn to Zach Wilson in the following draft. 

He went to the Panthers next, but could not hold down the role before spending a season with the 49ers. It was in 2024 that Darnold thrived and led the Vikings to a 14-3 season. 

A year later, he ran it back with the Seahawks and completely shut down talks that he fades in crunch games with two playoff wins. But Sunday’s game will be key to completely shedding that tag. 

“More experience and knowledge that this is probably his only opportunity for a title,” said a reader who feels this will remain Darnold’s only shot. 

The reader is not dismissing Darnold, but is instead backing the quarterback to make the most of this opportunity. However, there is an interesting trend regarding quarterbacks who get only one shot at the Super Bowl.

Should the Seahawks lose, Darnold’s return to the Super Bowl would see him continue a trend Jalen Hurts bucked last season. The Eagles’ signal caller became the first quarterback since Jim Kelly to return to the Super Bowl after having lost one previously.

Quarterbacks that did not play another Super Bowl after losing their first in that span include inactive and former players like Stan Humphries, Neil O’Donnell, Drew Bledsoe, Chris Chandler, Kerry Collins, Rich Gannon, Steve McNair, Rex Grossman, Jake Delhomme, Matt Hasselbeck, Donovan McNabb, Colin Kaepernick, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan. The likes of Jared Goff, Jimmy Garoppolo, Joe Burrow, and Brock Purdy are also on this list, but are still active. 

And even if the Seahawks win, not everyone makes it back to the Super Bowl. Fans are accustomed to dynasties built by Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes, but a single Super Bowl victory can define a career, as it did for quarterbacks like Steve Young, Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson, Joe Flacco, Nick Foles, Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees. 

“Sam the Man brings the trophy to Seattle,” was this reader’s opinion. 

The nickname ‘Sam the Man’ is fitting, as he joins elite company. He’s part of a two-man club for consecutive 14-win seasons. Also, Darnold’s back-to-back 12-win seasons place him in elite company alongside legends like Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Brett Favre, all of whom cemented their legacies by winning a Super Bowl.

Darnold’s redemption arc is compelling, but our readers believe his success hinges on his top target. A few pointed to Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the key.

“JSN will be huge for Sam Darnold on Sunday.. ”

Smith-Njigba made 119 receptions for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. He crossed the 100-yard mark in nine regular-season games. Seahawks fans will hope for more of what they saw in the Championship game against the Rams rather than the Divisional game against the 49ers.

The receiver scored one touchdown in the NFC Championship game, but his first-quarter reception in the red zone is what will stand out more. On 3rd and 2, his one-handed catch got the team to a crucial 1st and goal. 

Smith-Njigba’s brilliance can help Darnold get the Super Bowl MVP, or he can even get it himself with plays like that.

“Over 120 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Not Darnold because he has less than 250 passing yards and 2 turnovers,” explained one reader.

The commenter backed the receiver to do what no player has done since Derrick Henry’s effort against New England, just before Christmas at M&T Bank Stadium. The running back scored two touchdowns in the Ravens’ 28-24 loss to the Patriots in Week 16. 

Also, two touchdowns in a game would be a first against the Patriots‘ defense this postseason, which has allowed just two touchdowns in three games. 

The ‘120 yards receiving’ would also mark the first time a wide receiver gained 100 yards against the Patriots since Emeka Egbuka did in Week 10. 

It’s not all Darnold and Smith-Njigba, though, with some readers picking Patriots players to win. 

While Sam Darnold is the favorite, Maye and Diggs have backers

Patriots quarterback Maye has some backers in our poll. He could get the award even if a receiver or running back outperforms him on the field. This would be thanks to the regular-season MVP voting, particularly Sam Monson’s vote. 

One reader backed Maye and cited some crucial statistics that have gone under the radar…until now.

“The lack of confidence and respect for the MVP runner-up has been and will continue to be bulletin board inspiration. Sam Darnold led the league in interceptions. Drake Maye led all starting quarterbacks in passer rating, completion percentage, and yards per attempt. ” 

Darnold didn’t lead the regular season in interceptions, but sat in third with 14. While he’s played clean football in the playoffs, some might worry he’s due for a costly turnover

Meanwhile, Maye has quietly and accurately guided his team to the Super Bowl. There’s been a lot of talk about the Patriots’ strength of schedule, but Maye has been reliable in these games. 

0 interceptions in tough conditions at Mile High will serve him well as he plays his first Super Bowl. 

Voters didn’t limit their picks to the Patriots’ quarterback, with some backing Diggs for the prize.

“After 11 seasons in the NFL, he will want to prove himself,” wrote a Huddle reader who picked the Patriots wide receiver. 

The memory of Diggs watching the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate their 2021 AFC Championship win is something that won’t fade easily.

His comments after the AFC Championship win over the Broncos prove this isn’t just another game for him, as he has a deep desire to prove himself. 

“They was calling me washed, said I ain’t have it no more. I just wanted to prove it to myself, I am who I say I am. … This team took a chance on me. I just wanted to make them proud,” Diggs said.

It has been a while since Diggs has really exploded, but it could be a case of him saving his best for the game’s biggest stage.

These are the favorites and could win. But anything remains possible in the Super Bowl.