3 Seahawks and Patriots facts to know to sound smart at your Super Bowl party

Not everyone has been watching the NFL all season long, especially when it comes to a Super Bowl party. Unless you’re deeply invested in the Seahawks or Patriots it’s often just a chance to get together, have some food and drinks, watch the commercials, and be a part of a cultural moment. Even so, it’s nice to have some knowledge of these teams so you can make a few informed statements that make you seem like a smart sports person.

Things to know about the Seahawks

No. 1: Mike Macdonald is one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL

It’s only Mike Macdonald’s second year in the NFL, and he’s revolutionized the Seahawks. The hallmark to the Macdonald system is masked pressure, which confuses the offense by thinking a pass rush is coming from one angle, only to pivot and have those players drop in coverage while he brings pressure from another angle.

No. 2: Sam Darnold is the first USC quarterback ever to start a Super Bowl

That’s a wild fact that will probably stun people at your party. Also, Darnold was a former Top 5 pick for the Jets who sucked, turned his career around, and now he’s starting in the Super Bowl. Everyone loves a good underdog story.

No. 3: Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a monster receiver who set the Seahawks single-season record

Selected with the 20th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jaxon Smith-Njigba was fine in his first two NFL seasons, but exploded with Sam Darnold in 2025. He finished the year with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming one of the best, most-reliable targets in the league and garnering comparisons to Jerry Rice. JSN is a three level receiver who excels at pretty much everything.

Things to know about the Patriots

No. 1: Remember Mike Vrabel?

People might remember the name, but not all the exploits. A three-time Super Bowl winner with the Tom Brady Patriots, Vrabel was key to the 2001, 2004, and 2005 teams. After having varied success as head coach of the Titans, Vrabel found his way back to New England and has been one of the best head coaches in the NFL this season.

No. 2: Drake Maye could be the next Tom Brady

While Patriots’ QB Drake Maye has struggled in these playoffs adapting to pressure, he was a legitimate MVP candidate this year and seems to be heir apparent to the Tom Brady legacy. Maye likes throwing deep, taking calculated risks, and generating a lot of explosive plays. It might not be his year right now, but it won’t be long before we see Maye as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL on a consistent basis. It might seem premature to mention him in the Brady talk just yet, but tell people about him now — then let them be impressed when it happens.

No. 3: The Patriots cornerback duo is elite

The safety position for New England might be a little iffy, but their two starting corners are unbelievable. Both Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III are two of the best players in the league at their position — and they’re on the same team. The problem is that they can run hot or cold at times, which will be something to watch in the Super Bowl.