Stat show how elite Seahawks' Sam Darnold is when facing extra pressure
Too many times, talented quarterbacks playing under bad teams have become jokes to trolls, casual media outlets, and even experts. An example of this is Sam Darnold in his three years in the league with the New York Jets. The joke of 'seeing ghosts' continues to haunt Darnold to this day, even though he is playing elite with the Seattle Seahawks.
In the nine games with the Seahawks this season, Darnold has been electric and incredibly efficient. Darnold has completed 71.1% of his passes for 2,262 yards, 17 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a league-high 77.6 QBR. He has been solid through the first ten weeks of the season, much like he was last season for the Minnesota Vikings.
Darnold isn't forcing his passes out to his pass-catchers. He is patiently waiting for players like wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, tight end A.J. Barner, and a group of young, talented rookies to get to a comfortable position on their routes away from the opposing defensive backs.
Most of all, Darnold is making accurate passes when he needs to against the blitz. He is graded as the No. 1 quarterback in the league at 90.6 when facing an opposing team's blitz. He is also first in the league in big-throw rate at 10.7% with nine big-time throws. Finally, Darnold possesses the sixth-lowest turnover-worthy play rate with one bad throw.
Even when facing serious pressure from opposing defenses, Darnold has delivered the ball to his receivers for efficient plays. Darnold doesn’t panic when he sees an extra player coming at him. Instead, he has been taught to focus on the lack of extra coverage support on the field, leading players like JSN, who is the league’s top receiver, to get open and make a big play.
The quarterback that Darnold will face in Week 11 on the road, in Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford, should be on the short list for league MVP. While he has been great leading the Rams to one of the top offenses in the league, he isn't as efficient against the blitz as Darnold.
Stafford has the sixth-highest overall grade (81.4) when dealing with an opposing team's blitz. He has also been prone to making mistakes when facing blitzing situations. Stafford has four throws that are turnover-worthy plays, 21st in the league.
Darnold is far from being the underdeveloped quarterback playing for the poorly run Jets from 2018 to 2020. After three years with the Jets and two years with the Carolina Panthers, Darnold spent a year with the San Francisco 49ers under Kyle Shanahan in 2023 and the Vikings under Kevin O’Connell last season.
This season, Darnold is taking his bad experiences with bad teams and his years studying under Shanahan and O’Connell to turn into a true top-tier quarterback in the league. He is no longer seeing ghosts of his bad experience, but it might take an NFC West Divisional title or a deep run in the playoffs for others to feel the same. Darnold, along with his elite Seahawks team, might have the potential for a Super Bowl run.
BREAKING NEWS: Alvin Kamara Reflects on Milestone Moment in New Orleans, Cementing His Legacy in True Dome Fashion
In an unforgettable moment that will be etched in New Orleans Saints history, Alvin Kamara reached a major career milestone that was celebrated with the kind of energy only the Superdome can offer. The crowd erupted as Kamara’s name was forever stamped alongside the franchise’s legends, marking a moment that solidifies his place in Saints history.
“It’s surreal,” Kamara said after the game, reflecting on the milestone achievement. “I’ve been blessed to play for such an incredible organization, and to reach this point with the Saints, it means everything. This city, these fans—they’re why we play. To have them here, cheering us on, is something I’ll never forget.”
The moment was made even more special by the presence of a franchise legend who helped honor Kamara’s achievement. “To have that kind of recognition from someone who’s paved the way for guys like me is humbling,” Kamara added. “It’s a full-circle moment, and I’m just grateful for every step that’s led me here.”
The celebration in the Dome was electric, with Kamara receiving a standing ovation as history was made. Saints fans, known for their passionate support, were ready to make the moment unforgettable. “This is what the Dome is all about—energy, pride, and celebrating moments like this,” Kamara said, with a smile.
Kamara's milestone not only reflects his talent but also his dedication to the Saints and their winning culture. As the applause echoed throughout the stadium, it was clear that Kamara had cemented his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
“I’m just getting started, though,” Kamara concluded. “This is just one chapter. I’ve got more to give to this team and this city.”
The fans will be eagerly watching as Kamara continues to write his story in New Orleans, knowing that many more milestones are yet to come.
