Sam Darnold’s recent interceptions have raised questions on the bench, but Seattle’s defensive woes complicate the decision.
Sam Darnold may be the Seattle Seahawks’ problem they can’t just shake off. Two straight losses exposed an offense that couldn’t protect its quarterback, sustain its run, or avoid devastating turnovers when the pressure was on. Darnold’s latest mistakes, however, proved particularly costly in Thursday night’s 17-14 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. His two interceptions squandered opportunities to steal a road victory. The calls for him to bench Drew Lock are understandable. That’s especially true with defending champion Seattle doing everything possible to keep games within reach. That said, replacing Darnold could be treating the symptom rather than the disease. The Seahawks definitely need accountability from their quarterback. However, they also need to fix the protection and playmaking problems that keep putting him in tough situations.
Great loss
The Seahawks fall to 3-3 after a disappointing night at Empower Field. Their defense held Denver to 168 total yards while the offense amassed 353. Seattle trailed 14-3 at halftime after Rashid Shaheed lost a fumble that helped set up an RJ Harvey touchdown. But the Seahawks rallied in the fourth quarter. George Holani’s goal-line touchdown and a successful two-point conversion brought Seattle within one. That was before Jason Myers drilled a 34-yard field goal with four seconds left to force overtime. The comeback was ultimately wasted when Darnold threw an interception to Ja’Quan McMillian on Seattle’s opening overtime possession. Wil Lutz’s 53-yard game-winning kick was set up. Darnold finished with 278 passing yards and two interceptions. Denver was scoreless after halftime until the decisive field goal.
Darnold deserves criticism
No one can escape Darnold’s responsibility for this loss. His late interception in regulation squandered a potential game-winning opportunity. His overtime giveaway gave Denver the field position it needed to get the job done. Those mistakes came after he threw two interceptions against San Francisco just five days earlier.
Darnold must recognize when the smart play is to throw the ball away, take a checkdown, or live to fight another one. Seattle’s defense plays well enough to win close games. Their offense couldn’t keep up giving opponents more chances.
However, benching Darnold for Lock would be an extreme response to a problem that goes beyond quarterback play. Lock has shown he can run the offense. Still, Seattle can’t assume he’ll be any better behind the same struggling offensive line. The question isn’t whether Darnold played poorly; he has The question is whether Lock gives Seattle a better chance to win under the current circumstances.
Right now, the answer should be no. Darnold has shown enough ability to warrant another chance, but his streak should be shorter. If the turnovers continue, the coaching staff will have a stronger case for making a change.
Internal protection
The Seahawks’ offensive line has become a huge liability. Denver sacked Darnold five times and recorded 17 quarterback hits. That followed a performance in San Francisco where Seattle also gave up five sacks.
With right guard Anthony Bradford on injured reserve, Seattle has struggled to find stability along the interior. Defensive fronts took advantage of communication breakdowns and pressure packages. Because of this, Darnold made decisions with the defenders close to him.
The running game offered some relief. They produced just 74 yards on 25 carries against Denver. The lack of balance allows opponents to focus on the passing game and makes every drop more dangerous. Lock will just inherit the same problems. Darnold still needs to make better decisions, but the offense doesn’t expect him to overcome relentless pressure on every possession.
Mini-bye
Seattle’s extended break before hosting Kansas City on Oct. 25 gives head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Brian Fleury time to reevaluate the offense. The first priority should be to simplify the passing of concepts. They need a quicker throw to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and incorporate more movement to prevent defenses from teeing off on Darnold.
General manager John Schneider must also evaluate whether a trade would improve the interior offensive line before the deadline. The Seahawks cannot continue to rely on their defense to compensate for an offense that has repeatedly lost the turnover battle.
Darnold should remain the starter against Kansas City in Week 7. That said, he should understand that one more careless interception could change the conversation permanently.
Keep Darnold, ask for more
Benching Darnold today would be a dramatic step. It risks destabilizing the offense without addressing its underlying problems. Of course, patience cannot be unlimited. Seattle’s championship defense gives the team a chance to win. Their offense must stop wasting it. If Darnold continues to force coverage throws and give up key possessions, Lock is worth considering.
For now, the Seahawks must fight panic and fix the problems around their quarterback. But Darnold has run out of excuses. The next game must show he can learn from his mistakes, or the calls for a benching will be impossible to ignore.
Sam Darnold may be the Seattle Seahawks’ problem they can’t just shake off. Two straight losses exposed an offense that couldn’t protect its quarterback, sustain its run, or avoid devastating turnovers when the pressure was on. Darnold’s latest mistakes, however, proved particularly costly in Thursday night’s 17-14 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos.