QB Sam Darnold, SEA (2 Viewers)

[Hot Sauce Guy]

To me, the interesting thing is it doesn't seem to have broken him.

If anything the dude is zen about it all. Made him much stronger. He looks incredibly poised and confident out there, even though he does still hold onto the ball too long at times. His postgame interview he was pretty hard on himself taking accountability and without throwing anyone under the bus saying there were a lot of areas they could improve. Coming off a divisional win, that’s a pretty remarkable attitude.

He’s only 28, which is wild. He’s got the potential to be a solid starting QB for the next decade+. Maybe not with the Seahawks the whole time, but if he’s playing at this level all year I wouldn’t be shocked to see them extend him before he hits FA.

Wonder how the Milroe truthers are feeling these days? I don’t see a scenario where he takes over this year - as the draft season got later Milroe’s hype got pretty out of control in the FF community, IIRC. Folks were saying it would be Milroe’s job by October, QBBC, etc.

 

[menobrown]

Belichick turning back into a pumpkin without Brady while Brady crushes with a new coach.

Darnold picking up right where he left off without KOC (he's actually been even more efficient this year than last) while KOC's new guy looks awful.

Colts making a complete 180 after ditching Richardson when people had blamed Steichen.

It seems like people overrate "the system" somewhat in the NFL. At least in terms of good ones propping QBs up (I think there is a better argument for bad systems making QBs struggle). Maybe Darnold has just grown into a good QB.

I would say we could be misreading guys like McVay in the same way as people will probably pile into whomever the next Rams QB is. Is it a QB proof system, or has the system just happened to have 2 QBs who were actually really good and have been just as good when they played elsewhere?

It’s certainly possible we’re overrating McVay and KOC. Jones and Darnold are interesting studies. I expected some success but nothing like this. I guess it’s possible they both struggle as defenses get more film/they face tougher competition.

I don't know because I feel like after Darnold spent two years getting coaching from Kyle and KOC he came out of it a totally different player. That collapse at the end of the season was more on their OL absolutley tanking.

May seem like a stretch but I feel like just the short time Jones spent with KOC got him back on track. Possibly same thing with McVay and Baker.

It's real life though and just like a teacher sometimes they have students they reach, some they can't. I just think of it in terms of some coaches are great at teaching these QB's how to play up to thier highest level but not everyone accepts teaching/coaching the same.

I've thought of this in context to my Steelers from time to time. A team that never employs a QB coach, and I'd rank as generally one of the worst teams in the league at QB development. I've asked myself if the Steelers had drafted Hurts or Purdy would they have found their QB of the future or would these QB's seem merely ok but a far cry from what they are today? I think the latter.

 

[menobrown]

Maybe the problem is, and has been, the Jets.

I’ve typed this more times than I can count on this forum. Probably in this topic.

Carolina has entered the chat.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Maybe the problem is, and has been, the Jets.

I’ve typed this more times than I can count on this forum. Probably in this topic.

Carolina has entered the chat.

They were also the problem tho.

 

[menobrown]

Belichick turning back into a pumpkin without Brady while Brady crushes with a new coach.

As with everything it's rarely binary. This one in particular bothers me. There would be no Tom Brady G.O.A.T. without Belichick (and the worst penalty call in the entire history of sports. Full stop.)

And that line of thinking has always bothered me. Never agreed with it.

For sure Brady had a great supporting cast around him, they helped each other early one, but I thought Brady was great even when the stats were not. Before Brady was putting up stats and everyone was calling him a game manager, a few years before Peyton vs Brady became one of the biggest sports debate of the last 20 years, I was arguing with friends of mine(from SEC country) that Brady was better. Just because they had a good defense and he was not asked to put up big stats I don't think a lot of people see it that way but I always did. His composure and FBI was clearly evident to me and I mean very, very early on.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Belichick turning back into a pumpkin without Brady while Brady crushes with a new coach.

As with everything it's rarely binary. This one in particular bothers me. There would be no Tom Brady G.O.A.T. without Belichick (and the worst penalty call in the entire history of sports. Full stop.)

And that line of thinking has always bothered me. Never agreed with it.

For sure Brady had a great supporting cast around him, they helped each other early one, but I thought Brady was great even when the stats were not. Before Brady was putting up stats and everyone was calling him a game manager, a few years before Peyton vs Brady became one of the biggest sports debate of the last 20 years, I was arguing with friends of mine(from SEC country) that Brady was better. Just because they had a good defense and he was not asked to put up big stats I don't think a lot of people see it that way but I always did. His composure and FBI was clearly evident to me and I mean very, very early on.

Agree with this. Raiders fans will never forgive the NFL for the tuck rule, which I agree was a totally BS call. But I won’t let that take away from Brady’s legacy.

What’s truly amazing is were it not for Bledsoe getting speared by Mo Lewis, we may never have seen Brady’s ability.

I have to believe the Pats saw it in practice, but I’m not sure he’d have ever gotten the chance to start without that injury.

 

[Footballdaz]

Belichick turning back into a pumpkin without Brady while Brady crushes with a new coach.

As with everything it's rarely binary. This one in particular bothers me. There would be no Tom Brady G.O.A.T. without Belichick (and the worst penalty call in the entire history of sports. Full stop.)

Beyond the opportunity from Bledsoe's injury it was Belichick who coached that team to relevance in Brady's first years as a starter. It was Belichick's defense that shut down the highest scoring team in NFL history in the Super Bowl.

If Belichick's defenses didn't carry that team for those first few years, not a lot of HoF talent on those Ds either, there would be no legend of Tom Brady. Of those teams went 5-11 like they should have, Brady would have been replaced by a first round QB.

No one is arguing that Tom Brady = G.O.A.T. but, he isn't that without Bill Belichick.

Just imagine Brady drafted by Jets and in thier organization.. probably no Superbowl wins

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Just imagine Brady drafted by Jets and in thier organization.. probably no Superbowl wins

Considering his draft capital he may have never seen the field. Ever.

That was literally his trajectory with the Pats. Mo Lewis changed the entire landscape of the NFL for a decade+ with 1 tackle.

 

[rockaction]

Oh my word. I've been all over Sam for years. It's the Jets. Sam was not good for us, but it's Woody and Chris Johnson and the organization. So he stunk for us for three or four years, and then he went to Carolina where he had three good games before he stunk for them. So he moves on and he sat for the 49ers for a year, aside from one start, and then he goes to Minnesota where he's likely going to back up J.J. McCarthy before McCarthy goes down for the year in training camp. So Darnold starts for MN for 15 very good games and 3 stinkers due to teams dialing up a ton of pressure. So Minnesota must figure they have J.J. and Sam's not going to get them over the hump, so Sam goes to Seattle on essentially a one-year deal, and now he's in Seattle doing this . . .

https://x.com/benbbaldwin/status/1971573433063600520

Take it away, Sam. Congratulations. Not only is the talent shining through, it's a product of failing and reconstituting. It's something I admire tremendously because I've been there and not been able to forge through. It's hard.

Great job.

 

[Chaka]

Belichick turning back into a pumpkin without Brady while Brady crushes with a new coach.

As with everything it's rarely binary. This one in particular bothers me. There would be no Tom Brady G.O.A.T. without Belichick (and the worst penalty call in the entire history of sports. Full stop.)

And that line of thinking has always bothered me. Never agreed with it.

For sure Brady had a great supporting cast around him, they helped each other early one, but I thought Brady was great even when the stats were not. Before Brady was putting up stats and everyone was calling him a game manager, a few years before Peyton vs Brady became one of the biggest sports debate of the last 20 years, I was arguing with friends of mine(from SEC country) that Brady was better. Just because they had a good defense and he was not asked to put up big stats I don't think a lot of people see it that way but I always did. His composure and FBI was clearly evident to me and I mean very, very early on.

There really isn't an argument that the Pats defense didn't win those first three Super Bowls. Brady had nice seasons but the offense didn't catch up, and take over, until 2004. And I would argue Corey Dillon was the driver of that offense more than Brady.

He played smart, mostly mistake free football but he was putting up a 4.8% & 2.5% TD to INT ratios, which is nice but not spectacular. He was the definition of a game manager during this period. It wasn't until 2007 where he really elevated his production and cut down his mistakes by a massive margin. From 2007 to 2019 his TD rate jumped to 5.7% and his INT rate dropped to 1.5%.

I reject any telling of Brady's story that excludes or diminishes the massive impact that Bill Belichick had on creating the QB that Brady eventually became.

BTW I really dislike both these guys. Hated the Patriots of that era and always will. But I recognize how great both Coach and QB were... at cheating.

 

[menobrown]

There really isn't an argument that the Pats defense didn't win those first three Super Bowls.

No sir, there is.

 

[rockaction]

I'm really skeptical that we'll ever know. All we know is that the dour cheater who I think actually helped in part to desensitize our culture to cheating and ethical violations has about six championship rings and there ain't much anybody can do about it except stop taking football results so seriously.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Chaka]

There really isn't an argument that the Pats defense didn't win those first three Super Bowls.

No sir, there is.

I have a great deal of respect for you as a poster, I think you know that.

But, that's nonsense.

I doubt Tom Brady, Arizona Cardinal would have gone on to do great things.

 

[menobrown]

There really isn't an argument that the Pats defense didn't win those first three Super Bowls.

No sir, there is.

I have a great deal of respect for you as a poster, I think you know that.

But, that's nonsense.

I doubt Tom Brady, Arizona Cardinal would have gone on to do great things.

Thanks, but it's not.

At best you could argue the first one but even then I don't think you give enough credit to Brady already displaying a huge clutch gene.

 

[cdclopper]

If Brady would have been drafted by the Arizona Cardinals instead of the Patriots, would he be derailing the Sam Darnold thread rn? It's hard to know.

 

[menobrown]

If Brady would have been drafted by the Arizona Cardinals instead of the Patriots, would he be derailing the Sam Darnold thread rn? It's hard to know.

Maybe not but Brady and Darnold are kind of connected in a small way in that what I'd heard this off-season was that the Raiders did not pursue Darnold because of Brady's input.

Geno is ok, but I posted at the time that SEA almost essentially trading Geno for Darnold and a third was a win for them. Still feel that way.

 

[rockaction]

He totally all growed up. This is ludicrous. I mean, play with the Jets and you're announcing to the world that you're seeing ghosts while your rivals openly mock that and laugh at you on camera. Play for Seattle and . . .

"For context, Sam Darnold’s PFF offensive grade under pressure is No. 1 in the league at 83.5." - Daily Norseman at SBNation

 

[Faust]

Seahawks' Sam Darnold proved potential in tough loss to Bucs

 

[ShamrockPride]

Apart from that last pass, he played a perfect ball game.

Tough L, but he can grow from this and still feel good about his performance.

 

[Guss]

Can put up all the stats but if you make the mistake that loses the game then that overrides all the stats

Wins is the only stat that matters

 

[cdclopper]

Apart from that last pass, he played a perfect ball game.

Tough L, but he can grow from this and still feel good about his performance.

I mean, it was tipped at the line by some lineman's helmet.

 

[Hartliner]

FWIW, I grabbed him because the Bucc DST was depleted. I was rocking Purdy after the draft and have been using backups w/ mixed results.

However, Darnold might have some staying power at least until his bye in week 8 which is also when Purdy should be back.

I know I got Darnold for easy matchup, but I also heard his poise should be studied and it was pretty spot on. Great game manager QB so far this year.


Here is the AI summary of the last 2 pages of the forum(all info for this year only) Its pretty cool.

Combined Summary: Footballguys Forum Thread on Sam Darnold, SEA (Pages 41 & 42)​

Key Discussion Points​

1. Seattle Situation & Fantasy Outlook​

• Forum members debate the quality of Seattle’s offensive line and receiving corps, with some expressing skepticism but others noting that free agency and the draft could bring improvements.
• Darnold is generally viewed as a QB2 in redraft leagues, with more value in dynasty/superflex formats. Concerns include a downgrade in coaching, weapons, and offensive line compared to his previous situation in Minnesota.

2. Darnold’s Talent, Ceiling, and Growth​

• Chris Simms and others highlight Darnold’s physical skills, suggesting he’d be a top prospect in the current draft class. However, forum members note that his issues have never been about physical talent, but rather consistency and decision-making.
• There’s discussion about whether Darnold’s time learning under coaches like Shanahan and O’Connell has helped him develop, and whether he can reach a higher ceiling in Seattle.
• Posters praise Darnold’s resilience and maturity after years of adversity with the Jets and Panthers, describing him as “zen,” poised, and accountable.

3. Coaching, System, and Supporting Cast​

• Several posts highlight that Darnold’s success will depend on Seattle’s ability to establish a strong running game and improve their offensive line.
• There’s skepticism about whether Seattle’s current roster and coaching staff can support Darnold as effectively as his previous teams.
• The impact of coaching systems (McVay, KOC, Shanahan) on QB success is debated, with some arguing Darnold’s improvement is due to coaching, while others believe he’s simply developed into a good QB.

4. Early Season Performance​

• Darnold’s early stats in Seattle are praised: high passer rating, strong downfield passing, and a 3-1 record as a starter.
• He’s noted for his composure under pressure, with the top PFF grade under pressure in the league.
• Despite a tough loss to the Bucs, posters highlight that Darnold played well except for a tipped interception on the final pass.

5. The “Jets Effect” and Career Narrative​

• Multiple posters suggest that Darnold’s struggles with the Jets and Panthers were more about organizational dysfunction than his own shortcomings.
• The “Jets effect” is a recurring theme for QBs who fail there but succeed elsewhere.
• There’s admiration for Darnold’s journey and resilience, with recognition that he’s not been “broken” by early career adversity.

6. Broader NFL and QB System Debates​

• The thread veers into debates about the impact of coaching systems on QBs, referencing Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as an example of how context can shape a player’s legacy.
• Some users argue that “the system” is overrated in propping up QBs, while others believe bad systems can ruin talented players.

7. General Sentiment​

• The forum is generally optimistic about Darnold’s future in Seattle, with recognition of his personal growth and improved play.
• There’s lively debate about the impact of coaching, organizational stability, and the importance of clutch performance versus overall stats.
• Posters appreciate Darnold’s journey and resilience, while acknowledging the challenges he’s faced and the potential for continued success.

---

Bottom Line:
Sam Darnold’s move to Seattle is met with cautious optimism. Forum members recognize his physical tools, improved play, and personal growth, but remain skeptical about Seattle’s supporting cast and coaching. The “Jets effect” and broader debates about coaching systems and QB development provide context for Darnold’s career narrative. Many are hopeful that his experience and resilience will help him succeed in Seattle, but acknowledge that sustained success will depend on both his performance and the team’s ability to support him.

 

[Footballdaz]

Can put up all the stats but if you make the mistake that loses the game then that overrides all the stats

Wins is the only stat that matters

Guy still played a great game. Gotta give him some credit.
Just too bad the defense **** the bed Today..

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Can put up all the stats but if you make the mistake that loses the game then that overrides all the stats

Wins is the only stat that matters

Guy still played a great game. Gotta give him some credit.
Just too bad the defense **** the bed Today..

Yeah, I mean - the Int wasn’t even a bad pass, but a flukey bounce off a defender’s helmet. that sort of stuff happens - that wasn’t Darnold’s fault.

Darnold balled out the entire game but the defense couldn’t stop a stiff breeze. Most likely because Love & Witherspoon were out - making them a pass funnel. Look at Mayfield’s line for evidence. You can only lose so many staters on D before it takes a toll.

Darnold deserves some respect on his name for that performance. All his stats mattered - he was largely the reason they had a chance to win that game.

But hey, if folks wanna blame someone for the L, blame the hurt players that missed the game. That also sounds ignorant, but at least it’s valid

 

[kyoun1e]

Can put up all the stats but if you make the mistake that loses the game then that overrides all the stats

Wins is the only stat that matters

Guy still played a great game. Gotta give him some credit.
Just too bad the defense **** the bed Today..

Yeah, I mean - the Int wasn’t even a bad pass, but a flukey bounce off a defender’s helmet. that sort of stuff happens - that wasn’t Darnold’s fault.

Darnold balled out the entire game but the defense couldn’t stop a stiff breeze. Most likely because Love & Witherspoon were out - making them a pass funnel. Look at Mayfield’s line for evidence. You can only lose so many staters on D before it takes a toll.

Darnold deserves some respect on his name for that performance. All his stats mattered - he was largely the reason they had a chance to win that game.

But hey, if folks wanna blame someone for the L, blame the hurt players that missed the game. That also sounds ignorant, but at least it’s valid

Yeah no way that loss is on Darnold.

Something was up with the D. If anything, the D coordinator should be getting skewered today.

I was skeptical he would do well in Seattle. Kept thinking he was a product of the QB whisperer in MN. Nope. Guy is legit.

Good to see. Great story.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Something was up with the D

Secondary is an injured mess of replacement quality players is the most likely culprit. Love and Witherspoon are not small absences, they're both top tier impact players. Demarcus Lawrence is a pro-bowl caliber DE, so their pass rush was impacted, and Derrick Hall sustained an oblique injury, and he's a huge loss. They also lost Riq Woolen to a concussion, another key part of their secondary.

Just can't lose that many defensive starters and expect to win. It's kind of incredible that Darnold answered the Bucs every time they scored. He truly put them in a position to win - and was driving to do just that when the flukey deflection happened. Just a bad bounce. Passes ricochet off of helmets all the time - this one just happened to change the trajectory so the ball went right to a defender.

 

[Uncle Leo]

It’s official. It was the Jets and not Sam. This kid can legit play QB in the NFL.

 

[Faust]

QB Film Review: Sam Darnold continues to play like one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks

 

[Uncle Leo]

9/9 for 116 yards and 2 TDs

Love rooting for this guy.

 

[IHEARTFF]

9/9 for 116 yards and 2 TDs

Love rooting for this guy.

Update?

 

[Uncle Leo]

9/9 for 116 yards and 2 TDs

Love rooting for this guy.

Update?

10/10 142 yards and 3 TDs

 

[IHEARTFF]

9/9 for 116 yards and 2 TDs

Love rooting for this guy.

Update?

10/10 142 yards and 3 TDs

Update?

 

[Uncle Leo]

9/9 for 116 yards and 2 TDs

Love rooting for this guy.

Update?

10/10 142 yards and 3 TDs

Update?

13/13 for 229 yards and 4TDs.

 

[Mitchie]

Wonder what Kevin O'Connell is thinking right now...

 

[Uncle Leo]

16/16 for 282 and 4TDs

 

[Mr. Peterson]

Is this the best first half a QB has ever had?

 

[need2know]

Dude is en fuego

 

[Uncle Leo]

Is this the best first half a QB has ever had?

Well he does have 0 rushing yards. I’m sure @travdogg is not overly impressed.

 

[N Zone]

Is this the best first half a QB has ever had?

They just said best first half performance by a QB since Ryan Tannehill with the Dolphins 10 years ago.

Dolphins 44-26 Texans (Oct 25, 2015) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans NFL game from October 25, 2015 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

The Dolphins' astounding turnaround under their new coach gained momentum Sunday, when Ryan Tannehill completed his first 18 attempts and threw for four scores in first 16 minutes to help beat the Houston Texans 44-26.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Wonder what Kevin O'Connell is thinking right now...

That they won with JJM today, probably.

 

[Faust]

Next Gen Stats
Sam Darnold against the Commanders:

8/10, 127 yards, 3 TD, INT against man coverage
13/14, 203 yards, TD against zone coverage

He becomes the only QB in any game this season with 10+ attempts and 12+ yards per attempt against both coverage types.

Powered by @awscloud

https://x.com/nextgenstats/status/1985205323721048456?s=61

 

[Donnybrook]

Mike McDonald post game interview "Sam's execution right now is just ridiculous."

 

[VikingFrog]

Is this the best first half a QB has ever had?

Well he does have 0 rushing yards. I’m sure @travdogg is not overly impressed.

“Drop him just outside the top 15.

If I had a 5th tier he’d be right there.”

- @travdogg probably
- - Wayne Gretzky
- - - Michael Scott

 

[zamboni]

Wonder what Kevin O'Connell is thinking right now...

You don't want to know what we Jets fans are thinking right now.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Wonder what Kevin O'Connell is thinking right now...

You don't want to know what we Jets fans are thinking right now.

Honestly though would the Jets have been able to turn him around? Sometimes a guy needs a change of scenery and personnel to succeed.

 

[zamboni]

Wonder what Kevin O'Connell is thinking right now...

You don't want to know what we Jets fans are thinking right now.

Honestly though would the Jets have been able to turn him around? Sometimes a guy needs a change of scenery and personnel to succeed.

That's my point though - they couldn't turn him around because they have never had the personnel to do so. But that's for our sad Jets thread.

 

[msudaisy26]

Wonder what Kevin O'Connell is thinking right now...

That they won with JJM today, probably.

Yeah, but if they kept Darnold they would probably be in position for home field in the NFC, not fighting to get in.

 

[Payne]

I wonder if he will finally make it into Travdogg's ROS rankings.

This is not a run first team. In fact, they don't run the ball well at all. This is the Darnold and JSN show.

 

[zamboni]

This is not a run first team. In fact, they don't run the ball well at all. This is the Darnold and JSN show.

Which is why they play the games. This figured to be a balanced team given two really good RBs back there. Many of us thought we were golden drafting Walker and cuffing him with Charb - not so much.

 

[Faust]

Mike Macdonald 'not surprised' by Sam Darnold's near-perfect play for 6-2 Seahawks