Sam Darnold”s recent performance against the Los Angeles Rams showcased ongoing struggles, as he threw four interceptions, illustrating his inability to evolve after joining the Seattle Seahawks. This game was not just a series of unfortunate errors; it highlighted recurring flaws that have haunted him throughout his career, particularly reminiscent of his time in Minnesota.
In his matchups against defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Darnold now holds an 0-3 record, having suffered twelve sacks and thrown five interceptions. The Rams effectively utilized a four-man rush combined with disguised coverage schemes, effectively neutralizing Darnold”s deep passing options and enticing him into making risky throws over the middle. Their pressure and coverage worked in harmony, forcing Darnold to play off rhythm and late, which is a pattern he has struggled to break.
Safety Kam Kinchens, who intercepted two of Darnold”s passes, noted that Darnold “flinches up once the rush closes.” This sentiment was echoed by coaches reviewing the game, who observed a quarterback prone to holding the ball too long, leading to ill-advised throws into traffic. While he may not have taken a sack against the Rams, that statistic obscures the reality; he avoided contact by throwing into coverage, resulting in turnovers that significantly impacted field position. Each decision illustrated a mechanical hesitation disguised as toughness.
The Seahawks” offensive structure is contributing to Darnold”s ongoing difficulties. Currently, Seattle leads the NFL with twenty turnovers and holds a minus-seven turnover differential, with Darnold responsible for half of those turnovers, most occurring within his own thirty-yard line. The team”s heavy reliance on twelve personnel has compressed the field, inviting nickel defenses that crowd passing lanes and limit Darnold”s options. Without effective spacing or a consistent play-action rhythm, he struggles to make reads, leading to a deterioration of his tempo.
Darnold”s performance this season draws parallels to his final games in Minnesota, where he similarly ended a promising season with turnovers against the Rams. Both scenarios began with control but unraveled as defensive pressure dictated the pace. The repetitive nature of this pattern raises concerns; as the structure of the game shifts, Darnold”s margin for error diminishes.
The leadership within the Seahawks remains publicly supportive of Darnold. Head coach Mike Macdonald affirmed, “He”s our quarterback.” Such support resembles the sentiments expressed during Darnold”s decline in Minnesota. While loyalty is commendable, the evidence of repeated mistakes is concerning. The Rams did not expose Darnold; rather, they reminded everyone of the consequences when his rhythm falters. The Seahawks have the potential to offer him protection, but without a strategic adaptation, defenses like the Rams will continue to exploit these vulnerabilities.
