The 2026 NFL season only just kicked off with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, but we already have something MASSIVE to talk about here in the Emerald City! Pittsburgh’s former head coach Mike Tomlin, in his new gig as an NBC analyst, dropped a bombshell about our Seattle Seahawks. Tomlin, cool as ever, opined on the regular-season kickoff game and a *Super Bowl rematch* between our Hawks and the New England Patriots. Seriously, already?! That’s a huge way to start the fall!
Rookie QB Shines, But We’re Looking at Real Football
While Tomlin was dishing on our Hawks, the Hall of Fame Game went down, with the Carolina Panthers barely beating the Arizona Cardinals 33-30. It was an exhibition game, one of 49 on the docket this preseason. But a few things caught eyes. Arizona’s rookie quarterback Carson Beck, a 24-year-old third-rounder, made his unofficial NFL debut starting for the Cardinals and played with serious distinction into the second half. He wasn’t facing Hall of Fame talent like Luke Kuechly, sure, but the dude looked poised, accurate, and dangerous. His best throw of the night was a sweet 49-yard deep shot to Jalen Brooks. He led the Cards to 17 first-half points, racking up 15 completions on 19 attempts for 188 yards and a touchdown, ending with a gaudy 125.4 passer rating. Is he the next big thing, the QB1 for Arizona? Nah, not yet, especially for a team facing an uphill climb in what the article calls the league’s most cutthroat division. But it was certainly an encouraging start, suggesting he’ll get more opportunities this month, and likely at some point this fall.
Tomlin’s New Chapter, Our Super Bowl Memories
Tomlin, stepping into the broadcast booth, was a “winner” in his own right. He looked composed, natural, and smooth as an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America.” He even did a cool walk and talk with Panthers QB Bryce Young. Then he got into the real juice, like that Seahawks Super Bowl rematch! He talked about his old team, even praising his replacement, Mike McCarthy, saying, “Mike’s perfect for them, and they’re perfect for Mike.” But what really grabbed us was the mention of our Hawks. He admitted missing the “men, the brotherhood, the camaraderie” from his coaching days, but also enjoying his new broadcast crew’s camaraderie. It makes you wonder, is he the next Bill Cowher, trading the coaching grind for TV? Either way, the fact he’s talking about a Seahawks vs. Patriots Super Bowl rematch as a regular-season kickoff game has the 12s buzzing. You know what that game means to us, Emerald City!
So, the preseason is technically just beginning, but the talk around the league is already hinting at an epic early season showdown for our Hawks! Get ready, Seattle, because if Tomlin’s right, we’re not just kicking off the season, we’re reliving history right out of the gate. Our boys will need to be sharp from day one! Let’s get it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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