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Seahawks Stand By Darnold Despite Seven Interceptions in Four Games
· Confirmed
In Short: Despite throwing seven interceptions in four games, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald is sticking with quarterback Sam Darnold as the starter.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is facing intense scrutiny after throwing two interceptions in a 17-14 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, bringing his total to seven in the last four games. Darnold's turnovers have put significant pressure on the team, with the defense often bailing him out.
Darnold took responsibility for his mistakes, saying, 'I just think it's B.S for me to keep turning the ball over.' However, head coach Mike Macdonald was critical of the offensive line's protection, noting, 'Our quarterback got hit too much today.'
The Seahawks' offensive issues extend beyond Darnold. The team's lack of a reliable rushing attack and pass protection has made it difficult for the quarterback to succeed. Receiver Cooper Kupp emphasized the need for better support around Darnold, stating, 'We need to do a better job around our quarterback.'
In the game against the Broncos, Darnold completed only 52.9% of his passes at 5.5 yards per attempt and threw two interceptions, including one that led to Denver's game-winning field goal. He was particularly criticized for forcing a pass into double coverage, which was intercepted by Ja'Quan McMillian.
Despite the struggles, Macdonald remains committed to Darnold as the starter. He said, 'Really good,' when asked about Darnold's performance after Friday's practice. Macdonald also noted, 'He's incredibly smart,' but acknowledged the need for the offense to reassess its approach.
The Seahawks' decision to stick with Darnold has not been universally supported. Seahawks fans pushed back after Macdonald said he isn't considering a quarterback change, with some questioning whether the team can fix its vulnerable offense.
Darnold's recent performance has been inconsistent. In three of the four games, he has thrown two interceptions, but he also completed 67.7% of his passes at an average of 8.2 yards per attempt in one game. He left the field early in the season-opener against the New England Patriots due to a hip injury but has since returned.
The Seahawks' upcoming game against the Washington Commanders will be the first of just two scheduled 10am starts this season. The team's decision to stand by Darnold highlights the broader challenges facing the offense and the need for improvement across the board.
What this adds
The sources have not established a timeline for when Darnold's performance might improve or if the team will consider changes to the offensive strategy.
What's confirmed
- He has been sacked a total of 13 times in the last three games.
- "Our quarterback got hit too much today," Macdonald said.
- "I just think it's B.S for me to keep turning the ball over," Darnold said.
- In three of the four games, Darnold has thrown two interceptions.
- Drew Lock took over and helped the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory, then started Sunday's 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
What's still developing
- Another issue facing the Seahawks is opposing teams don't have to worry about any wide receiver beyond Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- Darnold finished 6 of 19 for 47 yards and two interceptions when pressured by the Broncos’ defensive front, according to Next Gen Stats.
- Moments later, Darnold went to the locker room and the team announced later in the half that he was ruled out for the rest of the game.
- Darnold left the field just five snaps into the game, suffering a hip injury after taking a sack on the final play of the drive, and was ruled out shortly after.
- And thankfully, Darnold began to play at a higher level beginning in the second quarter.
- There was no timeline announced for Darnold’s return, but it appeared he could be back soon.
- Seahawks sticking with Darnold despite 7 INTs in 4 games | ESPN La Crosse 105.5 You are using an outdated browser.
- The victory upped Denver’s record to 4-2 on the year and improved their home record to 17-3 since the start of the 2024 season, while Seattle dropped to the.500 mark at 3-3 for the first time this season.
- Darnold said he “got greedy” in trying to hit Shaheed and lamented not throwing underneath to Kupp.
- Sam Darnold had his best day as a Seahawk with 341 yards passing and four touchdowns.
- "Really just to see him confident in the things that he's been doing," Macdonald said Friday, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson.
- "I'll hold off on that," LaFleur said when asked if Adams potential to play this weekend is based on health or competition.