Seahawks’ Sam Darnold Gets Revealing Words From NFL Analyst
Seattle’s division chase took a hit with that slip-up against Los Angeles, a game in which Sam Darnold threw four interceptions and the Rams jumped to the top of the NFC West. Still, with matchups remaining against the Rams, 49ers, and Colts, the Seahawks have time—and a path—to flip the narrative if their quarterback steadies the ship in the biggest moments.
An analyst’s read: it’s the looks, not the lights
One prominent NFL analyst recently pushed back on the idea that Darnold’s hurdles are about “big-game pressure.” Instead, the focus was on how certain defenses have attacked him. Los Angeles, in particular, has been adept at muddying the post-snap picture and generating heat from the interior, forcing hurried decisions. When coverages morph late and the pocket compresses quickly, Darnold has shown a tendency to press—something opponents down the stretch will try to replicate.
The good news for Seattle? There’s time to adjust. Having that rough outing with significant football left can act as a blueprint for corrections: protection tweaks, route adjustments against disguised shells, and more deliberate answers when the middle of the pocket caves. Expect teams like Minnesota to borrow from that page, testing Seattle’s ability to counter with tempo, quick game, and smarter pre-snap IDs.
Productive debut season, rising chemistry
Even with the bumps, Darnold’s first year in Seattle has produced: 2,785 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 106.2 passer rating. Just as important, his timing with Jaxon Smith-Njigba has blossomed. The young wideout has evolved into a true WR1 presence, winning on option routes and crossers while unlocking play-action explosives—an outlet Darnold has leaned on when defenses load the box or threaten pressure.
Respect from the other sideline
Ahead of their Week 13 meeting, a star receiver from Minnesota acknowledged that Darnold’s form is hard to ignore. He noted that Seattle’s top target has been one of the league’s standouts and credited Darnold for stacking wins despite a couple of down games. The message from the Vikings’ camp was simple: Seattle’s home environment is a bear, and they’ll need crisp execution in all three phases to leave with a result.
A return, without the sentimentality
Darnold also reflected on his prior stop in Minnesota, expressing gratitude for the relationships built there. But he kept the focus firmly on the present, emphasizing that his energy is on this locker room and this run, not nostalgia. It’s a measured stance that fits the moment: grateful for the past, locked in on the task at hand.
What will decide Seattle’s stretch run
- Beat interior pressure: Slide protections, hot reads, and firm pockets are non-negotiable. The ball has to come out on time.
- Win the disguise battle: Expect late-rotating safeties and simulated pressures. Darnold must trust his eyes, not the pre-snap bait.
- Lean into JSN’s versatility: Quick game and option routes to Smith-Njigba can neutralize heat and keep the offense on schedule.
- Use misdirection: Boot, play-action, and screens can slow down aggressive fronts and create cleaner windows.
- Protect the football: Seattle can live with punts; it can’t survive giveaways against top defenses.
- Red-zone answers: Tight-area throws to the slot and layered concepts to the back line can turn threes into sevens.
- Harness the home crowd: Silent counts and tempo variations can keep defenses vanilla and let Seattle dictate.
There’s a clear through-line to the criticism and the path forward: this isn’t about stage fright—it’s about solving specific defensive puzzles that have repeatedly knocked Darnold off rhythm. If Seattle can stabilize protections, streamline reads, and keep its star wideout in the middle of the action, the Seahawks will give their quarterback a cleaner runway to prove he can close. With the division still within reach, the next three weeks won’t just shape Seattle’s playoff seeding; they’ll shape the story of Darnold’s season.
