Sophia
Despite a conservative coaching approach that nearly cost Seattle a crucial win, veteran quarterback Sam Darnold proved he can thrive under pressure, leading the Seahawks to a dramatic 23-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night.
Darnold’s Defining Moment in Arizona
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald’s mid-game exhortation on the Amazon Prime broadcast for his team to “step on the gas” in the second half against the Cardinals seemed, to many, to contradict the conservative play-calling that followed. Yet, it was Sam Darnold (18-of-26, 242 yards, 1 TD) who ultimately defied expectations, overcoming questionable coaching decisions to secure the win and prevent an epic collapse in Arizona.
The praise for this victory should unequivocally go to Darnold. While Macdonald’s definition of “flooring it” might have meant settling for field goals and draining the clock, Darnold’s performance was anything but passive. He orchestrated the game-winning drive, setting up Jason Myers’ walk-off 52-yard field goal. Myers had his moment, but it was Darnold who laid the groundwork with a series of clutch plays.
Overcoming Conservative Play-Calling
Darnold truly shined when he connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a pivotal 22-yard strike, igniting the game-winning possession. This drive was made easier when the Cardinals mishandled the kickoff, granting Seattle excellent field position at their own 40-yard line. However, Macdonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak bafflingly opted for another running play, forcing Myers into a lengthy field goal attempt when Darnold, who was red-hot, could have easily gained another 10-plus yards.
This conservative approach was evident earlier in the game too. With five minutes left in regulation, Darnold delivered a 36-yard dart to Smith-Njigba (four catches, 79 yards), but Kubiak then called three consecutive running plays. The result? Myers missed a 53-yard field goal, allowing the Cardinals to march downfield for a game-tying touchdown with just 33 seconds remaining. It felt as if the Seahawks were actively trying to prevent Darnold from seizing his moment.
Darnold’s Resurgence: A True Franchise Quarterback?
The Seahawks’ decision to sign Darnold in free agency is proving to be a stroke of genius. While many, including this author, didn’t anticipate a column filled with such praise for the quarterback, his performance Thursday night demonstrated his capacity for clutch play, regardless of the circumstances. Darnold’s ability to elevate his game in adverse situations, carrying his team to victory when the odds are stacked against them, is the hallmark of a “real-deal” quarterback.
This isn’t to say Darnold has nothing left to prove; a Week 4 win against the Cardinals is just one step. However, his strong showing in Arizona, coupled with his breakout season with the Vikings last year (which notably included clutch plays against the Seahawks themselves), indicates a significant evolution. Darnold is now demonstrating that he can thrive without the perfect supporting cast, without a Justin Jefferson, and without a coach like Kevin O’Connell. While he benefits from talented receivers like Smith-Njigba and Macdonald’s stout defense in Seattle, this new-look Seahawks squad isn’t yet mirroring the Vikings’ 14-win campaign from last year.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Contention
The days of Darnold’s struggles with the Jets seem a distant memory. Now, the expectation is for more frequent clutch moments, especially against legitimate contenders. While he didn’t come through in Week 1 against the 49ers, it’s worth noting that Macdonald’s conservative decision to settle for a field goal did him no favors, allowing Brock Purdy to steal the game.
Darnold deserves immense credit for guiding the Vikings to 14 wins last year and even more for leading his new team to a 3-1 start. However, the Seahawks’ early success, including blowouts against the winless Saints and a struggling Cardinals squad, and a victory over the Steelers that benefited from a special-teams mistake, doesn’t yet signal true NFC West dominance. They are, at best, the third-best team in the division, trailing the 49ers and a still-formidable Rams team.
Nevertheless, with a quarterback capable of delivering in the clutch, the Seahawks now possess a vital ingredient for stacking signature wins throughout the season. This was a development few anticipated when Macdonald spoke of “stepping on the gas” on Thursday night. For more NFL insights, subscribe to the SI NFL Newsletter and receive instant updates with SI Push Alerts.
