The Seahawks are doubling down on Sam Darnold despite his playoff struggles last season, banking on his Pro Bowl form and the team’s defensive dominance to carry them deep into the postseason.
Sam Darnold’s playoff debut last season was a disaster. The Vikings’ quarterback, then leading a 14-3 team, was sacked nine times in a 27-9 loss to the Rams. Yet, as the Seahawks prepare for their postseason run, the team’s confidence in Darnold remains unwavering. Why? Because Seattle’s success isn’t riding solely on his arm—it’s built on a foundation of defensive dominance, a resurgent run game, and a quarterback who, despite his flaws, has proven he can win when it matters.
The Pro Bowl Paradox: Elite Stats, Lingering Doubts
Darnold’s 2025 season was a tale of two halves. Through the first eight games, he was one of the NFL’s most efficient quarterbacks, completing 67.7% of his passes with 17 touchdowns and just four interceptions. His Pro Bowl selection was well-earned, a testament to his ability to manage games and capitalize on Seattle’s offensive weapons. But since a four-interception meltdown against the Rams on November 16, Darnold’s production has dipped. Over his last eight games, he threw eight touchdowns and eight interceptions—a far cry from his early-season form.
Yet, the Seahawks won seven of those eight games. That’s the paradox of Darnold’s season: even when he struggles, Seattle finds ways to win. “I don’t care if he throws for negative-10 yards, we’re going to find a way to win the game,” said receiver Jake Bobo. It’s a bold statement, but one backed by the team’s identity. The Seahawks aren’t asking Darnold to be Patrick Mahomes. They’re asking him to be steady, avoid turnovers, and make plays when the game is on the line.
The Defensive Backbone
While Darnold’s playoff struggles are a concern, Seattle’s defense is the real reason for optimism. The Seahawks haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 26 straight games, a streak that speaks to their dominance up front. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams called it a point of pride: “When we can play with two high safeties and stop the run with just four down linemen, knowing that at least two or three of us are getting double teams, that means not only are we stopping the double team, but we are beating the double teams.”
The numbers back it up. Seattle allowed the third-fewest rushing yards per game this season and tied for seventh in sacks with 47. In the playoffs, where physicality and defensive stops often decide games, this unit could be the difference-maker. If Darnold struggles, the defense can carry the load—something the Vikings couldn’t rely on last postseason.
Turnovers: The Elephant in the Room
Darnold’s 20 turnovers (14 interceptions, six fumbles) led the league this season. It’s a glaring weakness, especially in the playoffs where mistakes are magnified. But the Seahawks’ ability to win despite those turnovers suggests they’ve found a formula that works. Their run game, led by Kenneth Walker III, has been a consistent force, and their defense has bailed them out of tight spots.
“Sam’s the one playing,” said right tackle Abe Lucas, dismissing outside criticism. “I would more so rock with the guy who’s actually playing versus people who don’t.” It’s a sentiment that underscores the Seahawks’ locker-room belief in Darnold. They’ve seen him make clutch throws, manage games, and lead comebacks. One bad playoff game doesn’t erase that.
The Playoff Blueprint
So, what does a successful Seahawks playoff run look like with Darnold at the helm? It starts with limiting his mistakes. If Darnold can avoid turnovers, Seattle’s defense and run game can control the tempo. The Seahawks don’t need him to be a superhero—they need him to be efficient, take what the defense gives him, and make a handful of game-changing plays.
It’s a formula that’s worked all season. And if Darnold can recapture even a fraction of his early-season magic, the Seahawks could be a dangerous team in the NFC. The question isn’t whether Darnold can win in the playoffs—it’s whether he can avoid losing them.
For now, Seattle is betting on the former.
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