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The two quarterbacks facing off in Super Bowl LX (Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks and Drake Maye of the New England Patriots) have taken different paths in the NFL to reach the biggest game of their careers to date.
In the end, one will emerge champion, while the other will think about what they could have done differently to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy. So who has the quarterback advantage?
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who currently works as a panelist for Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football,” has watched both quarterbacks throughout the season and their playoff matchups up to this point. He knows which quarterback comes into this game playing better than the other.
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New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) drops back to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2015. (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)
Darnold has only played in two playoff games since the Seahawks are the first seed in the NFC. He didn’t have to do much against the San Francisco 49ers, as Kenneth Walker III scored three touchdowns and rushed for over 100 yards. Still, Darnold was able to complete 70% of his passes for 124 yards with one touchdown pass and a quarterback rating of 110.9.
But his best game this season came at the perfect time in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, their NFC West rival. He matched Matthew Stafford’s three touchdown passes, while surpassing him in passing yards (346) in a fantastic performance to help his team reach the Super Bowl.
PATRIOTS’ DRAKE MAYE AND SEAHAWKS’ SAM DARNOLD BOTH INCLUDED IN INJURY REPORTS AHEAD OF SUPER BOWL
Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks walks on the field after the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. The Seattle Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27.
Darnold and the Seahawks are on a roll and very clearly have the right momentum for this contest. However, Fitzpatrick believes this is also a time that works perfectly for the Patriots and Maye, who has struggled in the first three playoff games of his career.
Defense has been the bright spot in these playoffs, but Maye is also an MVP candidate because of how consistent and efficient he was all season long. Fitzpatrick believes he can get back to that for this matchup.
“I think this week off or bye for Drake Maye will be good for him because he has struggled in the playoffs,” he explained. “He was very consistent and efficient in the regular season. We had fumbles, but it wasn’t the same efficiency as it was in the season.
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) reacts after the New England Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. January 25, 2026. (Ron Chenoy/Image Images)
“For him to take a week, take a deep breath and realize that even though he hasn’t played his best the last three weeks, they’re in the Super Bowl. All he has to do is play his best game on Super Bowl Sunday, and everything will be fine. It’s been good for him to have a little reset.”
PATRIOTS RETURN TO SUPER BOWL AFTER WINNING AFC TITLE OVER BRONCOS
Football fans know how impactful quarterback play is, making it even more crucial in the final game of the season.
Will Darnold stay warm in Santa Clara? Will Maye be back to his regular season self when kickoff begins? Either way, Fitzpatrick wants them both clicking on all cylinders.
“I would love to see some fireworks. I know we’re not going to have snow, so hopefully we’re not going to make the game 10-7. But I would love to see this be a little bit of a shootout,” he said.
A HAPPY ISLAND, A HAPPY FITZ
After a long football season, Fitzpatrick and his wife, Liza, visited Aruba for a well-deserved break to reset and recharge before the Super Bowl.
Partnered with the Aruba Tourism Authority, showcasing the island’s commitment to responsible tourism, which includes protecting the island’s natural environment, celebrating local culture, and inviting guests to travel mindfully through the Aruba Promise and Guest Guidelines.
Fitzpatrick did just that and loved every minute, while experiencing the outdoor lifestyle that Aruba, nicknamed “One Happy Island,” has to offer.
Ryan Fitzpatrick and his wife, Liza, enjoyed their stay in Aruba following the 2025 NFL season. (Aruba Tourism Authority)
“My wife and I have seven kids. So we rarely get away. So when we get away, we have to make sure it’s the right place, and this is the one. It’s got white sand beaches, it’s got a resort, which is great. But it’s also got the adventure. I’m not a guy who likes to just sit on the beach and get a tan all day. We hiked, we swam in a natural pool, we went and did a little searching in some caves.
“The best thing for my wife and I is that you immediately feel relaxed. Then we come home and feel that air of happiness and rejuvenation. It stayed with us.”
