NFL Exec Celebrates Sam Darnold as 'an Efficient Master of' Seahawks' Offense

Even with some blips on the radar recently, Sam Darnold's first season with the Seattle Seahawks is being positively received by other organizations in the NFL.

Speaking to The Athletic's Jeff Howe, an anonymous executive for an opposing team described Darnold as "an efficient master" of Seattle's offense.

There's no denying that Darnold was one of the best acquisitions for any team last offseason. The Seahawks made the bold move to trade Geno Smith, then sign Darnold to a three-year, $110.5 million contract after a successful 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings.

This season, in many ways, is playing out a lot like 2024 did for Darnold. He was on an extended heater with 2,262 yards, 17 touchdowns and a 71.1 completion percentage through Week 10 and looked like a leading MVP candidate.

The Seahawks were averaging 27.5 points per game during that span.

Since Week 11, though, Darnold appears to have hit a stumbling block. He has thrown for 1,171 yards with more turnovers (six) than interceptions (five) and a 62.3 completion percentage.

The Seahawks have still gone 4-1 over the last five games, but that one loss was disastrous for Darnold. He threw four interceptions in a 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams which is currently the difference between those two teams in the NFC West standings.

Even with the recent struggles, Darnold still leads the NFL in yards per attempt (8.8), yards per completion (13.1) and net yards gained per attempt (8.12). His 11 completions of at least 40 yards are tied with Dak Prescott for most in the league.

Darnold's final two games of the 2024 season and the narratives that developed around them overshadowed what had been a remarkable turnaround for the former No. 3 overall pick.

After leading the Vikings to a 14-2 start, Darnold lost his final two games by throwing for 411 yards, one touchdown, two turnovers and was sacked 11 times. His final game was in the playoffs against the same Rams team that gave him problems in Week 11.

This week does offer Darnold a chance to wash away all of the recent bad vibes caused by the Rams. The Seahawks will host Los Angeles on Thursday Night Football.

A win would not only put the Seahawks atop the division and clinch a playoff berth, but they would also have the inside track on the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the NFC postseason.