Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold won his first Super Bowl title with a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Darnold won a Super Bowl in his first season in Seattle, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. The veteran analyst said Darnold is one of the top three quarterbacks in the NFC.

However, Smith’s comments didn’t sit well with former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho, who accused Smith of potentially prioritizing Darnold over the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jaylen is injured. He said on the “Speakeasy” podcast:

“I love Stephen A. (Smith), but this is stupid because it undermines itself… If you’re talking about talent and you use his resume to elevate him, what do you say? If you’re talking about talent, he should be in the top three regardless of the Super Bowl…”

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“So Stephen A’s argument is stupid because his argument is self-cannibalizing. His argument completely undermines itself. Now, Sam Darnold is not a top-three quarterback in the NFC anyway…Stephen A’s argument is stupid because his argument contradicts itself. That’s why, to me, it’s absolutely stupid.”

While Darnold played a crucial role in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win, Acho said MVP winner Matthew Stafford, Chicago Bears’ Jordan Love and San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy His name is above the Seattle quarterback on his list.

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Stephen A. Smith slams Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell over Sam Darnold decision

Sam Darnold signed with the Seahawks after being released by the Minnesota Vikings last offseason. Stephen A. Smith criticized the Vikings’ lack of confidence in Darnold and slammed head coach Kevin O’Connell.

“Two bad games and you throw him to the wolves. That’s why their general manager is gone; he was fired. That’s why Kevin O’Connell should no longer be called the quarterback whisperer; that’s why he’s lucky to make the decision that he did and get his damn job.”

Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024 and scored a career-high 35 touchdowns. He was also selected to his first Pro Bowl with the Vikings.