Sam Darnold's deep ball matching Russell Wilson at his very best with Seahawks
Sam Darnold's mostly spotless start to the 2025 season is getting the national attention it deserves, as the 28-year-old veteran quarterback has been among the most efficient passers in the league.
Darnold has been particularly efficient and effective on downfield pass attempts, fueling the Seahawks' offense, particularly on throws to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (NFL-high 14 receptions of 20 or more yards).
The Seahawks previously had one of the league's best deep passers in Russell Wilson from 2012-21. According to ESPN research, Wilson had the most completions of 20 or more air yards through eight games (20) by any Seahawks quarterback in the last 20 seasons in 2017 and 2019.
Darnold is one short of that figure (19) through seven games, giving him the chance to be off to the best deep-ball start by any Seahawks quarterback in a long time.
Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
One thing's certain: This is an offense that Seahawks fans aren't used to. Even when Wilson was slinging it in Seattle, the receiving production was fairly spread out. Smith-Njigba is dominating and currently on pace to set the NFL's single-season receiving record.
Darnold was clearly the best quarterback Klint Kubiak could've asked for to operate his offense in Seattle. He has the ability to manage the short passing game and has the accuracy to create big plays downfield. If the running game ever gets going, Seattle's offense could take off.
As the season progresses, it's looking more like the Seahawks got a bargain for Darnold (three years, $100.5 million). That deal allows them to continue building other areas of the roster, including getting their 2022 draft selections re-signed to new contracts.
The wiggle room there could set the Seahawks up for long-term success as they return to being a playoff contender.
Packers Ex-1st Rounder Gets Playing Status For Week 9
The Green Bay Packers are looking to consolidate their spot atop the NFC with a win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Whilst the offense got some big praise last weekend, as the team managed to go through the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pennsylvania, it is the defense that has arguably been the star of the show.
The team rank 6th in total defense, and a massing 3rd in rushing defense, and part of the reason for that has been the excellent play of the linebacking corps, Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper.
However, according to the Packers injury report – as reported by Tom Silverstein – the Packers could be without one of the dynamic duo on Sunday.
#Packers – #Panthers injury report: LB Quay Walker, K Brandon McManus are questionable; #Panthers C Cade Mays is out; T Taylor Morton is questionable.
“Packers – Panthers injury report: LB Quay Walker, K Brandon McManus are questionable; Panthers C Cade Mays is out; T Taylor Morton is questionable.” Silverstein posted on X on Friday.
Packers Will Be Short Multiple Defensive Players On Sunday
The Packers wil also be short backup inside linebacker, Nick Neimann, formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs, and rotational edge rusher, Lukas Van Ness, who is currently in his third season with the organization after having been drafted out of Iowa with the 13th overall pick back in 2023.
Critically, Green Bay could also be without kicker, Brandon McManus, who is questionable – like Walker – with a quadriceps injury.
However, his spot in the starting lineup could be in trouble, irregardless of his injury status. Fill-in place kicker, Lucas Havrisik, made 4-4 field goals in games against the Bengals and Cardinals on October 12th and 19th – during which McManus was also out with injury.
And at the same time, the Pro Bowler, McManus missed two field goals against the Steelers last weekend; one from 57 yards, and the other from 44 – whilst Havrisik set a new franchise record with a 61-yarder hit against the Cardinals in just his second game with the team.
More to follow..
