Locked On 49ers - Daily Podcast On The San Francisco 49ers

Super Bowl Matchup Set, How the San Francisco 49ers Can Get Back

Jan 26, 2026
Reaction to the Seahawks vs. Patriots Super Bowl matchup and what it means for San Francisco fans. Debate on whether the NFC title felt like a true Super Bowl and DVOA's historical context. Discussion of Sam Darnold's resurgence and comparisons to Matthew Stafford. Deep dive on the 49ers' receiver gap, offensive line issues, and offseason paths to fix WR and OL.
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INSIGHT

NFC Title Game Was Unusually Elite

  • The Seahawks vs. Rams was historically elite with the highest combined DVOA in 47 years.
  • That level shows the NFC produced two top-tier teams that outpaced the 49ers this season.
ANECDOTE

Rooting For The Underdog Sam Darnold

  • Eric Crocker shared personal admiration for Sam Darnold as an underdog who rebuilt his career.
  • Crocker rooted for Darnold emotionally while still disliking the Seahawks as a rival.
INSIGHT

Darnold Rewrote Perceptions With Big Game

  • Sam Darnold outdueled Matthew Stafford in the NFC title, showing he can perform at an elite level.
  • That performance reframes how analysts must view Darnold moving into the Super Bowl.
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