Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has had quite the journey. Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he faced setbacks with both the Jets and the Vikings. But now, he’s leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl.
In a thrilling NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams, Darnold threw three touchdown passes. His performance was crucial in their 31-27 victory, helping Seattle reach its fourth Super Bowl, and first in 11 years. Coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold, saying, “He shut a lot of people up tonight.”
Darnold, now an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team, showed incredible resilience. Despite dealing with an oblique injury, he completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards without any turnovers. His connection with rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba stood out; Smith-Njigba finished the game with 153 receiving yards, the second-highest in Seahawks playoff history.
“This has been a great first year,” Smith-Njigba said. “For him to overcome what he had to overcome, I’m riding with Sam all day.”
The Seahawks’ defense also played a key role. They made a vital fourth-down stop when Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford tried to pass to his teammate in the end zone. Safety Julian Love highlighted Devon Witherspoon’s contribution, calling him “the heart of our defense.”
Despite Stafford’s impressive stats—374 yards and three touchdowns—the Rams struggled with key mistakes. A muffed punt and a critical penalty against cornerback Riq Woolen allowed Seattle to maintain its lead.
Darnold was aggressive from the start, throwing a 51-yard completion to Rashid Shaheed that set the tone for the game. As the first half closed, he led a rapid drive that gave the Seahawks a permanent lead.
Looking ahead, Rams’ coach Sean McVay is uncertain about Stafford’s future, as he weighs retirement considerations at age 37, particularly after a strong season.
The Seahawks are now two weeks away from the Super Bowl, hoping to capture another title since their win in the 2013 season. This current team seems ready to make its mark and add to the proud history of Seattle football.
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