Michael Strahan on the Patriots Win, Their Wild Play Call & Sam Darnold Career Resurgence

Michael Strahan Breaks Down Championship Sunday: Patriots’ Risky Call, a Missed Opportunity for Denver, and Sam Darnold’s Long Road Back

Championship Sunday rarely leaves much room for ambiguity, but for Michael Strahan, this year’s games were defined less by clear dominance and more by moments that slipped away.

Speaking candidly about the Patriots’ win over the Broncos, the Seahawks’ latest playoff push, and the resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold, the Hall of Fame defensive end offered a perspective shaped by decades in the league — one that values situational football, mental toughness, and empathy for players trying to survive the NFL spotlight.

“It Felt Like the Broncos Should Have Won”

Strahan didn’t hesitate when asked about New England’s victory over Denver.

“It felt like the Broncos should have won the game,” he said flatly.

In his view, the outcome turned not on talent, but on a handful of pivotal moments — missed recoveries, questionable decisions, and a failure to capitalize when the opportunity was there.

Strahan pointed to loose balls that could have swung momentum. Had Denver recovered even one or two key fumbles, the narrative might have been entirely different. Instead, New England survived, aided by players falling on the ball in critical moments.

He also expressed sympathy for quarterback C.J. Stroud, noting that while no one intends to play poorly, playoff football is unforgiving.

“In big moments, that’s when you really need to show up,” Strahan said.

To make his point, he referenced Eli Manning — a quarterback whose career numbers may never fully tell the story, but whose performances in the biggest games defined his legacy.

“That cat always showed up in the biggest moments,” Strahan said. “That’s how you get over the hump.”

The Decision That Changed the Game

If there was one moment Strahan couldn’t let go of, it was Denver’s early fourth-down decision.

Instead of taking a field goal in what was clearly shaping up to be a low-scoring game, the Broncos opted to go for it — a choice Strahan immediately questioned.

“Take the points,” he said. “You knew it was going to be a low-scoring game. Just take it.”

While modern NFL coaching is increasingly driven by analytics, Strahan believes feel still matters — especially in the playoffs, on the road, in bad weather, and with a backup quarterback under center.

“I don’t get these coaches now,” he admitted. “Fourth down is automatic go-for-it more than it’s not. I get analytics, but you gotta feel the team. You gotta feel the situation.”

Strahan said he sensed what was coming as soon as the Broncos called a timeout to think it over.

“I felt it from that point,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Man, they’re about to run a little play-action boot.’”

The play failed, and the moment lingered. For Strahan, it was a reminder that playoff football often punishes aggression when it’s not paired with context.

Respect for Sean Payton — and a Tough Reality

Strahan’s critique came with clear respect for Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who once coached him earlier in his career. He said Payton was confident heading into the game, but postseason football changes everything.

“In the playoffs,” Strahan said, “just take the points, man.”

Against a disciplined Patriots defense, especially on the road, Strahan believed Denver needed to apply scoreboard pressure — even if it came three points at a time.

A Different Kind of Win for New England

While Strahan initially doubted whether the Patriots could move the ball against Denver, he admitted he may have underestimated New England’s defense.

Over the past several weeks, Strahan said, the Patriots have quietly become one of the more disruptive units in the league.

“They’re doing a great job mixing pressures,” he said, pointing to simulated blitzes, disguised coverages, and a collective commitment to execution.

That defensive surge, more than offensive firepower, has carried New England into the Super Bowl conversation.

The Other Game — and a Turning Point

Strahan also praised the Seahawks’ win, calling it a great game that turned on a handful of key moments — including a muffed punt and a crucial fourth-down stop at the goal line.

But his attention quickly shifted to one player in particular.

“I’m so happy for Sam Darnold,” Strahan said.

Sam Darnold’s Long Climb Back

Few quarterbacks have endured the kind of scrutiny Darnold faced early in his career. Drafted third overall into the pressure cooker of New York, he struggled, took physical and mental hits, and eventually bounced from team to team.

“Five teams in eight years,” Strahan said. “Everybody thinks he’s washed.”

Even after showing progress in Minnesota, a playoff loss reignited doubts. When Seattle invested heavily in him, critics questioned the move.

“Now you see why,” Strahan said.

What impressed Strahan most wasn’t just Darnold’s play, but his resilience.

“His ability to take that heat from everybody and still be calm, cool, collected — I’ve always been a fan of his.”

For Strahan, Darnold’s resurgence is one of the most satisfying storylines in the league — proof that confidence and patience can outlast early narratives.

Looking Ahead to the Super Bowl

When it came time to look ahead, Strahan leaned slightly toward Seattle.

Their defense, physicality, and balance stood out. Still, he cautioned against underestimating New England — especially in a one-game scenario.

“Football’s not like other sports,” he said. “If you don’t show up with your best one day, it’s a wrap.”

He highlighted intriguing matchups on the outside, praising Seattle’s young playmakers and drawing comparisons to how difficult it is to defend elite receivers — much like trying to stop Travis Kelce, even when everyone knows the ball is coming his way.

Snow Games? No Problem.

As the conversation wound down, Strahan weighed in on snow games — a topic that often divides fans.

“That’s fun,” he said without hesitation.

Snow, he explained, softens hits and adds an element of joy. Cold rain, on the other hand, is another story.

“Cold rain is different,” he said. “That’s when I’m like, ‘When is this over?’”

Snow or shine, Strahan made it clear: football is meant to be played, not protected from.

Perspective From a Survivor

Through all his analysis, one theme remained constant — perspective.

Strahan doesn’t just evaluate games through schemes or statistics. He sees them through the lens of survival, resilience, and missed chances that define careers.

On Championship Sunday, he saw a Broncos team that let one get away, a Patriots squad winning with defense and discipline, and a quarterback finally rewriting his story.

And as always, Strahan reminded everyone watching: in the NFL, moments matter — and the biggest ones reveal who you really are.