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Seahawks sticking with Darnold despite 7 INTs in 4 games
Confirmed
In Short: The Seahawks' decision to stick with Darnold despite his recent struggles raises questions about the team's overall offensive strategy and execution.
Sam Darnold is facing criticism after his two interceptions cost the Seattle Seahawks a 17-14 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.
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.
Despite Darnold's struggles, Macdonald said, "Really just to see him confident in the things that he's been doing," and added, "Really good," when asked about Darnold's status after Friday's practice.
The Seahawks are on the road in Week 3, set to take on the Washington Commanders.
Darnold's issues extend beyond turnovers; the Seahawks' offense has struggled with pass protection and a lack of a reliable rushing attack.
Receiver Cooper Kupp noted that the Seahawks need to do a better job around their quarterback.
Fans and analysts are questioning whether the Seahawks can fix their vulnerable offense.
Darnold left the field just five snaps into the game against the New England Patriots due to a hip injury but has since returned.
Drew Lock took over in Darnold's absence and helped the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory, then started Sunday's 31-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Seahawks are standing by Darnold, but the pressure is on the team to improve their offensive performance.
"Why (is) the ball in jeopardy so much on offense?" head coach Mike Macdonald asked, highlighting the broader issues facing the team.
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
- Darnold got bailed out on his first interception with 1:30 remaining because the Seahawks defense forced a quick three-and-out that got the ball back.
- Another issue facing the Seahawks is opposing teams don't have to worry about any wide receiver beyond Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- On the first possession of overtime, though, Darnold tried to force a pass to Rashid Shaheed into double coverage that Ja'Quan McMillian picked off to set up Denver's game-winning field goal three plays later.
- 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.
- "I'll hold off on that," LaFleur said when asked if Adams potential to play this weekend is based on health or competition.
- 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.