Things were looking bad for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, taking a gut punch 21-19 loss against the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold had a bad game, throwing four picks. He failed to record any touchdown passes, further questioning his play. Despite his struggles, Darnold’s teammates rallied behind him, emphasizing his importance to the team and the potential he displayed even in a losing effort.
No wonder Darnold has earned rave reviews for his calmness this season. He closed out that game on a hot streak, going 29-44 for 279 yards. That was a season-high in both attempts and completions for the QB. Unfortunately for him, his four interceptions were definitely damaging, especially the final one that would derail a promising drive while the game was still in the balance. With the Seahawks trailing, Darnold attempted a leaping dump-off pass to tight end Elijah Arroyo while navigating a collapsing pocket, which resulted in yet another turnover.
Entering Week 11 as the NFL’s leader in Total QBR, Darnold faced significant pressure from the Rams’ defense. That makes last season’s wild-card round matchup rough viewing for him. That same defensive unit sacked him nine times, keeping a lid on his mega talent. This week, he effortlessly orchestrated the Seahawks’ game-winning, 56-yard drive. Facing the loudest crowd in sports as time expired, they prepared for a potential game-winning 61-yard field goal attempt—making the case that he can do it when it counts.
Even in the face of that disappointing loss, what Darnold has done this season is remarkable. It’s been an incredible first year for him with the Seahawks. He had 16 turnovers—10 of which were directly attributed to him. His bounce-back ability and fierce competitiveness have certainly made an impression on his peers.
Ernest Jones IV, a defensive teammate of Darnold’s on the Rams, defended Darnold after the game.
“If we want to try to define Sam by this game, Sam’s had us in every f
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