Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold delivered an impressive performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing 28 of 34 passes for 341 yards and securing four touchdown passes—a season high. Darnold completed his masterpiece, riding the wave of talent and tranquility that is his game. He has the team on a three-game winning streak after a tough first start.
Judging by the final score and Darnold’s completion rate of 82.4%, you might think that was a huge success. He posted a 95.8 single-game QBR, his second-highest career performance. His brilliant performance vaulted him into the top-rated QB in the NFL by QBR after just four weeks. He has a 79.7 average right now, which is pretty impressive! He led his receivers perfectly and with precision timing. That’s the skill that allowed him to carve up a Buccaneers’ defense forcing his own team’s defensive struggles on that day.
This was going to be about an extraordinary challenge for the Seahawks, taking on a great Buccaneers team, particularly with such a short-handed defensive slate. Fortunately, Darnold met the moment, showing unmatched resolve and poise under pressure from start to finish. Whether making huge throws from the pocket or creating space on the run, he proved why he’s the ultimate chess piece in the QBs arsenal. He demonstrated his flexibility by climbing the pocket. He avoided two pass-rushers with shiftiness and precision and found rookie receiver Tory Horton for his fourth touchdown pass.
This game was not without its challenges for Darnold. He threw a prayer of a pass, just to change things up and get some momentum back. Instead, the ball deflected off defensive lineman Logan Hall’s helmet and fell directly into linebacker Lavonte David’s hands for an interception. After the game, Darnold explained that what looked like an ill-timed pass was a planned throwaway. Offensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald was similarly positive on Darnold’s performance, saying “Sam played one heck of a football game.”
As the game wore on, Darnold directed a beautiful eight-play, 99-yards drive, which consisted of Darnold scrambling around and making plays for his team’s late-game comeback effort. What actually made him successful was that he stayed calm under pressure. That intense, singular focus was the key to him guiding his football team down the field to victory. Despite the interception, Darnold’s overall impact on the game was undeniable, as he effectively carried his team through an uncharacteristically off day for their defense.
Either way, Darnold’s success this season comes from his plays in high definition. Beyond the basic counting stats, he’s developed a really strong chemistry with his receivers and has gained from an improved offensive gameplan. He’s been a top-five quarterback in QBR each of his three full seasons. His experience at delivering for his team, when it matters the most, makes Smith a must have for the Seahawks as they look for a winning formula in the NFL.
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