Just a couple weeks ago, the Seahawks were holding their breath over Sam Darnold’s status heading into the divisional round. A strained oblique had sidelined him in practice, Drew Lock was taking first-team reps, and questions swirled about whether Darnold would even suit up against the 49ers. Fast-forward to now, and not only did Darnold play-he followed that up with what might’ve been the best performance of his career in the NFC Championship Game against the Rams.
Now, as we look ahead to Super Bowl LX, the injury spotlight shifts to the other sideline. Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye is dealing with a shoulder issue and, according to reports, didn’t throw during the open portion of Thursday’s practice. While the full session wasn’t available to the media, observers noted Maye was on the field but not participating in quarterback drills-certainly something to monitor as the week unfolds.
There’s still plenty of time before kickoff in Las Vegas, and all signs point to Maye being under center when the Patriots take the field. But this development adds a wrinkle to what’s already shaping up to be a compelling matchup.
For New England, Maye has been the steady hand guiding them through a playoff run that’s exceeded expectations. If he’s not at 100%, that could change the complexion of the game in a hurry.
Meanwhile, Seahawks fans can breathe a little easier. Not only is Darnold healthy and rolling, but Seattle’s defense is playing with the kind of edge that could make life difficult for a banged-up quarterback. That’s a storyline worth watching as the chess match between these two teams continues to take shape.
And while fans wait for the big game, the Pro Bowl Games offer a brief intermission-an exhibition featuring players from eliminated teams like the Rams and 49ers. But in Seattle and New England, all eyes are on February’s main event.
One team’s quarterback is red-hot. The other’s is nursing a sore shoulder.
Ten days out, and the tension’s already building.