The Seattle Seahawks traded in uncertainty and doubt at quarterback this offseason – and the early returns suggest they may have found steadiness in Sam Darnold. What we’re seeing now isn’t a flash in the pan: it feels like the opening act of something bigger.
Sam Darnold: Elite Numbers, Unlikely Comeback
Darnold heads into Seattle’s bye break riding a wave of career-best production. He’s completed over 68% of his passes and has thrown 12 touchdowns to just four interceptions, putting him in the NFL’s top tier. He’s averaging roughly 256.8 passing yards per game in 2025. (All stats from Pro Football Reference.)
Seattle Times reporter Bob Condotta posed his five biggest questions facing Seattle after their bye week. Darnold’s play was No. 1 on his list.
“Those are all lofty numbers to continue,” Bob Condotta wrote in the Seattle Times. “But coming on the heels of Darnold’s breakout 2024 season with the Vikings, there’s reason to believe he can keep playing at this pace. If he does, a long postseason run is more than possible.”
And Pro Football Focus ranks him at or near the top of their grades in recent weeks. Simply put: outside of the “big four” QBs talked about in most NFL circles, Darnold is making a case for inclusion.
Why the Change Matters
When Seattle signed Darnold, many wondered: Can this be more than just a resurgence in a new city? The answer, so far, is leaning “yes.”
His efficiency has unlocked what the Seahawks hope is a new identity—one that blends his downfield passing ability with a more mobile, modern approach. A Seahawks team that has long been hampered by inconsistent quarterback play now seems to have someone who can deliver and sustain at a high level.
He’s not just checking boxes—he’s doing it in a way that allows Seattle to lean into its strengths: elite wide receiver play with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, a pace-friendly offense under Klint Kubiak, and a defense that already ranks among the NFL’s best.
Risks: Old Habits Die Hard
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Darnold’s career has been marked by peaks and valleys. Critics will point out the supporting cast in Minnesota that helped fuel his 2024 breakout, and Seattle’s run game and third-down conversion rates still lag.
Sustainability now becomes the big question: Can he maintain this pace over a full season? Can the Seahawks keep balance so defenses don’t key entirely on the passing game? And as bye week transitions into the stretch run, every strain in the offensive line, every missed read, will be magnified.
Looking Ahead: What Success Looks Like
For Seattle to fully capitalize on Darnold’s ascendancy, a few things must align:
Health and durability: He must avoid the inconsistencies that plagued previous stops.
Supporting cast growth: The run game must progress and relief valves must emerge when the pass game stalls.
Defensive carryover: With a top-5 defense in yards allowed, the Seahawks can afford to win games without needing 40+ point outbursts.
If all those pieces connect, Seattle isn’t just in the mix; they could be serious contenders.
Darnold’s current run isn’t just about redemption. It’s about rewriting his narrative and giving the Seahawks a hopeful foundation they’ve lacked at QB for years. If he holds course, this season may mark the turning point for both player and franchise.
