Last season, Darnold struggled in the wild card round against the Los Angeles Rams, where he had two turnovers in a tough 27-9 loss. This time around, he faces a new challenge. The Seahawks earned a wild-card bye, which means Darnold will step onto the field for his first Divisional Round game. It’s already the third time he’s matched up with the 49ers this season. The Seahawks lost their initial game at home against San Francisco but bounced back in a crucial Week 18 win that helped them secure the NFC West title and the top seed in the conference.
Come Saturday night, this matchup will be historic. It’s the first time in NFL history that two teams have played each other in both the first and last weeks of the regular season and then again in the playoffs, according to NFL Research.
Darnold faced challenges in their first meeting, getting strip-sacked late in the game. But in his two outings against San Francisco this year, he’s completed 36 of 49 passes for 348 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, showcasing his ability to manage the ball under pressure.
Drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold has shown growth this season, completing a career-high 67.7% of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His performance has earned him back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, a testament to his improvement and on-field consistency.
Now, Darnold is not just aiming for his first playoff victory; he’s also aiming to secure the Seahawks’ first postseason win since 2019. This game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET against the 49ers, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting showdown.
As for fan reactions, social media is abuzz with excitement. Many 12s (Seahawks fans) express optimism, pointing to Darnold’s recent form as a reason for hope. Overall, this game not only matters for Darnold’s legacy but could reshape the narrative around the Seahawks as they seek to reclaim their postseason glory.
For more insights on player performance and team strategies, you can check out [ESPN’s detailed reports](https://www.espn.com/nfl/) and analysis. They provide context and deeper dives into player stats that can help fans understand the dynamics at play in this crucial game.
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