The Seattle Seahawks (3-3) officially have a quarterback problem.
Sam Darnold threw two more terrific interceptions, one in field goal range at the end of regulation, the other gifted the Denver Broncos (4-2) a game-winning field goal in overtime. Seattle fell behind 14-3 throughout the second half, finally finding some offense late, but ultimately lost 17-14 despite putting up a heroic second half and overtime display on defense. Denver’s offense put up 168 yards and the win.
There is nothing more to say. I defend Darnold’s struggles, thank him forever for the Super Bowl ring, and his performance in the NFC Championship was one of the great performances in Seahawks history. But this version of Darnold is Jets Darnold and the Seahawks won’t be back in the playoffs this year if he keeps playing like this.
Something has to change. It was abysmal. It’s not all Darnold’s due to the shambolic offensive line performance and the mediocre rushing attack and questionable play-calling, but Darnold is killing any semblance of a coherent offense right now and directly costing Seattle games.
Seahawks-Broncos 1st half recap
Seattle started on offense and went heavy on the shotgun. Sam Darnold completed his first four passes into Broncos territory, only for back-to-back sacks to derail the drive and prompt a punt. Denver was backed up inside its own 10, gained very little on consecutive running plays and then Bo Nix was fortunate that his pass to Jaylen Waddle was too erratic for Waddle to catch or Julian Love to pick-6.
The Seahawks had a short-ish field and got on the board first with a field goal. They picked up 13 yards on the ground, including Velus Jones Jr. running over George Holani. Sam Darnold’s pass was incomplete, and Myers came up for a 55-yarder. 3-0 Seahawks.
The Broncos’ first points came on an eight-minute drive that spanned the second quarter. Denver converted on multiple third downs and a 4th-and-3 near midfield. The Seahawks didn’t allow many big plays, but they dinked and dunked with small runs and screen passes. JK Dobbins waltzed into the end zone to cap off a long touchdown drive. 7-3 Broncos.
A big kick return by Rashid Shaheed was wasted by Seattle, who ended up getting the ball back to Denver in quick order. Darnold was almost picked on a blitz looking for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That kind of game and that kind of season. Denver went on a 9-play, 79-yard drive aided by a pass interference in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon to Courtland Sutton. Automatic first-and-goal at the 1 and a direct snap touchdown to RJ Harvey for another score. 14-3 Broncos.
A kickoff out of bounds gave the Seahawks another short field. Well, what will they do this time? Fumble, of course. Rashid Shaheed made an end-around and as he went up, the ball fell off his knee and the Broncos recovered. To make matters worse, Elijah Arroyo’s effort to recover from the upset cost him his shoulder and ultimately the rest of the game.
No other scoring occurred heading into the break. Seattle’s offense was completely disorganized.
Seahawks-Broncos 2nd half recap
Denver’s offense couldn’t mount much offense throughout the third quarter, so Seattle’s defense tightened up. The offense squandered opportunities over and over again. Bad sacks by Sam Darnold, lack of blocking by Abe Lucas, and even when good things happen, there are bad things that have to override the good. Rashid Shaheed caught a 42-yard ball to finally make a big contribution in the passing game. Darnold was sacked on third down, setting up a longer but still doable field goal for Jason Myers… DOINK.
I wish I had a more thorough recap but the game is dull. Just dull. Some explosive plays, a lot of negative Seahawks plays, just no scoring. Sam Darnold took a miserable fifth sack while in field goal range. A messy, messy show. It’s fourth quarter and it’s almost time.
UNTIL! We have excitement! We have an 11-play, 67-yard drive from the Seahawks that looked like pulling teeth but actually ended up with a score! Sam Darnold converted a 4th and short to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who took the shot but not its full weight. Darnold rushed 18 yards for another critical conversion. George Holani, rebounding from a terrible game last week, had a strong 13-yard rush with the help of his offensive linemen and Eric Saubert. He drags tacklers to the 1, then muscles his way into the end zone on the next snap. A two-point conversion desperation throw to Rashid Shaheed is dropped in the air and CAUGHT! 14-11 Broncos.
The Broncos offense, stuck in the mud all half, went trigger-and-out again after Bo Nix picked up two really bad sacks. Nick Emmanwori had a sack on him as a spy on 3rd and long. Punt time!
Sam Darnold lofts a beauty to JSN for 30 yards to set up the Seahawks near midfield! On 3rd and 1 inside the Denver 40… Sam was picked off by Kris Abrams-Draine on a throw intended for Tory Horton. Love oh love oh love
Seattle had all of its timeouts but only lasted two as Nix threw an incomplete pass on 3rd down. Uchenna Nwosu was almost selected and instead had PBU. Rashid Shaheed had a huge punt return at the 45. Cooper Kupp with a drop. Brutal. Darnold was LEVELED and he was hurt, but so was a Broncos player on a short throw to AJ Barner. It’s 3rd and 6 and he switches to Shaheed! Spike with less than 30 seconds left. Now a throw up the middle to Kupp at the 23! Another spike! Quick dump on JSN at 16 with 7 ticks. Jason Myers from 34 for the tie… GOOD! 14-14 and let’s go to overtime!
Seahawks vs. Broncos overtime recap
The Seahawks started overtime on offense by punting on the kickoff. Rashid Shaheed dropped it and then just returned it to the 23, and a holding penalty put Seattle back up to half the goal distance. Two runs with Emanuel Wilson gained just seven yards, setting up a scary 3rd and 3. A quick throw to JSN converted for the first down. Darnold had a second down pass batted down, then a third down pass picked off by Ja’Quan McMillian. Denver is now in top field goal range.
Two runs gained 8 yards, setting up 3rd and short for Denver. Tyrice Knight intercepted Bo Nix, but it was still a 52-yard field goal for Wil Lutz. He got it. 17-14 Broncos OT.
- TE Elijah Arroyo left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return.
The Seahawks return home for a thrilling Sunday Night Football showdown with Kenneth Walker III and the Kansas City Chiefs (4-0). NBC and Peacock have a broadcast at 5:15 pm PT on Oct. 25.