Seahawks' Blowout Wins Convinced Salk They Were Super Bowl Contenders

Mike Salk reflects on the moment he realized the Seattle Seahawks were a legitimate Super Bowl threat this season.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Mike Salk, a sports commentator, discusses when he realized the Seattle Seahawks were a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season. Salk says it wasn't until about halfway through the season that he started to take the team seriously, and it was the Seahawks' blowout wins over the New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, and Arizona Cardinals that convinced him they were a Super Bowl favorite.

Why it matters

Salk's perspective provides insight into how the Seahawks' dominant performances against quality opponents shifted perceptions about the team's potential this season. As the Seahawks prepare for the Super Bowl, understanding the key moments that established them as a top contender gives context to their remarkable turnaround and run to the championship game.

The details

Salk says he initially thought the Seahawks would be good this season and beat their preseason over-under number, but it wasn't until about halfway through the year that he started to see them as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. He points to the Seahawks' blowout wins over the Saints, Commanders, and Cardinals as the games that really convinced him, noting that blowing out quality opponents in the NFL is extremely difficult and a "profound statement." Salk also highlights the Seahawks' ability to beat their division rivals, the Rams and 49ers, as crucial to their Super Bowl run.

  • About halfway through the 2026 NFL season, Salk started to view the Seahawks as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
  • In Weeks 12, 13, and 14, the Seahawks blew out the Saints, Commanders, and Cardinals, which convinced Salk they were a Super Bowl favorite.

The players

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' starting quarterback, who led the team to the Super Bowl this season.

Mike Macdonald

The Seahawks' defensive coordinator, who was brought in to help the team beat their division rivals the Rams and 49ers.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, one of the Seahawks' division rivals that Macdonald was tasked with beating.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, another one of the Seahawks' division rivals that Macdonald was tasked with beating.

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What they’re saying

“When you blow teams out in the NFL, you are making a profound statement. It just doesn't happen that way, right? When two good teams face each other in the NFL, generally, it comes down to the final possession or two, and whoever's got the best quarterback or whoever doesn't make a mistake in those moments wins.”

— Mike Salk, Sports Commentator (mynorthwest.com)

What’s next

The Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl on February 2, 2026.

The takeaway

Salk's analysis highlights how the Seahawks' dominant blowout wins over quality opponents midway through the season established them as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, shifting perceptions about their potential and setting the stage for their championship run.