The narrative surrounding Sam Darnold has officially shifted from “redemption story” to “championship contender.” In a high-stakes NFC Championship showdown that felt more like a Hollywood script than a football game, Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a gritty victory over the Los Angeles Rams, securing a spot in the Super Bowl and silencing his harshest critics in the process.

Speaking on the latest episode of The Coach JB Show with Big Smitty, Coach JB was unequivocal in his praise for the quarterback he once doubted. “It looks like Sam Darnold’s finally got that extra baggage off of his shoulders,” JB stated. “He’s grown throughout the year. He finally got over the Rams stigma, and I would be shocked if Seattle doesn’t win the Super Bowl. You will never hear a negative word come out of my mouth about Sam Darnold moving forward.”

The victory wasn’t just a statistical success; it was a psychological breakthrough. JB noted that early in the season, Darnold appeared “doubtful” in the pocket, but against the Rams, he looked like a veteran who knew exactly where his weapons were at all times. From finding Jaxon Smith-Njigba to managing a late-game drive that mirrored the poise of a top-tier starter, Darnold proved he has finally arrived. “I saw him in the pocket; he never had a doubt that he couldn’t beat the Rams. That mental block is gone,” JB observed.

While the Seahawks celebrate, the Minnesota Vikings may be feeling the sting of “what if.” JB points out that the Vikings, who let Darnold walk after a 14-win season to draft JJ McCarthy, are built similarly to the current Seahawks roster—star receivers and a potent defense. Instead, it is Seattle that is reaping the rewards of the 2018 draft pick’s maturity. “The Vikings have to be kicking themselves right now,” JB added. “They gave that up for JJ McCarthy, and look where Sam is now.”

The game itself was a battle of heavyweights. Despite Matthew Stafford making throws that JB admitted “Sam Darnold just can’t make,” the Rams were undone by critical mistakes. A dropped third-and-one by a Rams tight end near the end zone and Sean McVay’s decision to go for it on fourth-and-one rather than kicking a field goal proved to be the difference. “Just take the points and make it a one-point game with five minutes left,” JB argued, questioning the youngest coach in history to reach 100 wins. “Hindsight is 20/20, but that decision changed everything.”

Now, the stage is set for a historic Super Bowl matchup: Sam Darnold’s Seahawks versus Drake Maye’s New England Patriots. The Patriots’ defense has been a juggernaut, allowing only 26 points throughout the entire playoffs. JB believes the outcome will hinge entirely on which quarterback can navigate the pressure. “It’s going to be a crazy defensive battle. Whoever gets better quarterback play is going to be the team that wins.”

For Sam Darnold, the journey from being “the guy who saw ghosts” in New York to a Super Bowl-bound leader in Seattle is complete. As JB put it, “He’s seen it all already—been cut, removed, benched, and talked about. Now he’s building a new career.” Whether he can finish the job against the Patriots remains to be seen, but for now, the Seahawks are the kings of the NFC.