Sam Darnold Could Be the First Quarterback from the Class of 2018 to Win a Super Bowl

The 2018 NFL Draft class is already legendary at the quarterback position. Josh Allen won the MVP two years ago and the Bills have consistently been Super Bowl favorites. 

Lamar Jackson has won multiple MVP awards and has led the Ravens to the playoffs many times. Baker Mayfield resurrected his career in Tampa Bay after rough stops in Cleveland and Carolina.

However, as good as these three players have been in their careers, they haven’t been to the Super Bowl. Sam Darnold can become the first starting quarterback from the 2018 draft class to win the big game two Sundays from now.

Sam Darnold Can Make History

Sam Darnold has rewritten his story. As he prepares to face the New England Patriots on the sport’s biggest stage, the former third overall pick is no longer defined by “seeing ghosts” with the New York Jets. Instead, he represents the idea that quarterback careers are marathons, not sprints.

Darnold entered the league with as much raw talent as anyone in his class. At USC, he had elite arm strength and poise in the pocket. Yet, when he got to the NFL, his game was out of control. 

The quarterback couldn’t handle being thrown into the fire as a rookie because he played for the Jets. Allen and Jackson were molded by organizations that tailored systems to their strengths, while Darnold was asked to survive rather than thrive.

That changed once he landed in the right environment with the Vikings and now ultimately with the Seahawks, where he has taken a big step in his career. 

The Seahawks and Sam Darnold: A Perfect Fit

Surrounded by a coaching staff willing to support Darnold with a run game and simplify reads, the quarterback has finally looked like the one scouts envisioned. His decision-making has been shaky at times, but his confidence is back. 

He’s no longer trying to be a superhero on every snap. Darnold takesdefenses give him, attacking mismatches, and lets his stars do the work. This development is why the Super Bowl is so compelling. 

Critics believe were still dealing with the old Darnold, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The Super Bowl: Seahawks vs. Patriots

New England’s defense is built to test quarterbacks mentally. They disguise coverages, bait throws, and force errors. This game will be a huge test for Darnold. 

Darnold has struggled against the Patriots in the past, but he is changed quarterback. 

Unlike Allen, who overwhelms defenses with sheer physicality, or Jackson, who bends schemes with unprecedented athleticism, Darnold wins with balance. He can beat you from the pocket, punish man coverage with quick releases, and still extend plays when protection breaks down. 

Darnold will need to do this all against New England to make himself the first quarterback from the 2018 draft class to win the big game. 

Darnold was written off long before his draft class counterparts, and counted out while they flourished. Yet football has a way of rewarding perseverance. Darnold can get his reward in the Super Bowl.

The quarterback is +110 and the favorite to win Super Bowl MVP on FanDuel Sportsbook. It would be one of the greatest comeback stories in NFL history to see Darnold win the Lombardi Trophy.

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