Why Seahawks shouldn't panic with Sam Darnold after lackluster Week 13 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Seattle Seahawks blew out the Minnesota Vikings in one of the most lopsided affairs of the 2025 NFL season. It was a 26-0 bludgeoning, and it never felt in doubt.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, the offensive performance from Sam Darnold did cause some concern. He went 14/26 for 128 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. It wasn't a disastrous performance, but it didn't help the Seahawks.
But combined with his previous poor play against the Los Angeles Rams, the concern surrounding Darnold is understandable. But, for ESPN analyst Ben Solak, he explained why fans shouldn't be panicking with Darnold despite his recent flaws coming to light.
Why Seahawks fans shouldn't panic over Sam Darnold
"I'm unchanged on Darnold." Solak writes. "I loved how he played to start the season, but I don't think anyone thought he was a totally changed man from his failures in Minnesota (and struggled before)."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile things aren't as clean as they were earlier in the year, Darnold still has what it takes to be a Super Bowl champion quarterback for the Seahawks.
"The Seahawks still have a Super Bowl-caliber offense." Solak writes. "They're just a team with a flaw, like all Super Bowl teams -- champions included -- before them."
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Minnesota's defense is one of the better ones in the NFL, and it's not a surprise that Darnold, or any quarterback, would struggle against them.
It's important to note that the Seahawks also didn't need Darnold to do much of anything all game. With how bad the Vikings' offense played, as long as Darnold didn't turn the ball over, the Seahawks were likely going to win easily.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHis connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the best in the NFL, and potentially, in NFL history. While the offense wasn't as explosive as it looked before, there's no reason to panic over Darnold's play.
When he plays the Rams again later this season, which could be for the NFC West title, there will be a lot to learn about Darnold. But, for now, there's no reason to panic with the Seahawks' new franchise quarterback.
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