The Seattle Seahawks are making a strong push for the Super Bowl, largely due to the impressive performance of quarterback Sam Darnold. After a challenging season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Darnold has emerged as a vital asset for the Seahawks, showcasing significant progress in key areas of his game.
Darnold’s transformation is evident in his play-action performance this season. His average depth of target on play-action throws increased to an impressive 11.7 yards, leading the NFL and surpassing the second-ranked quarterback by a substantial margin. This improvement reflects a marked change in Darnold’s approach, as he has become more aggressive in pushing the ball downfield. Last season, he ranked fifth among 32 qualifying quarterbacks with a passing grade of 88.0 on play-action attempts, but in 2025, he has elevated that to a remarkable 90.7 grade.
The Seahawks have leaned heavily on their defense and running game throughout the season, making Darnold’s ability to deliver efficient and explosive plays crucial. His prowess in capitalizing on play-action opportunities has allowed Seattle to maintain an edge over defenses that focus on stopping their rushing attack. Darnold’s passer rating on play-action plays has risen to 118.0, underscoring his effectiveness in this area.
One of the most notable improvements in Darnold’s game has been his ability to manage pressure. During his time with the Vikings, he faced considerable challenges, being sacked on 21.7% of his pressured dropbacks, ranking 25th among quarterbacks. This season, that figure has dropped to 15.4%, placing him 13th in the league. He has been sacked just 29 times this season, a significant reduction from the 57 times he was taken down during his tenure with Minnesota, including the postseason.
As the Seahawks prepare for a crucial playoff matchup, Darnold’s development has positioned him as a pivotal player in their quest for a Super Bowl appearance. Despite a slight dip in his overall PFF grade from 80.7 in 2024 to 79.9 this season, his performance in critical moments has improved dramatically. Darnold has demonstrated greater poise and decision-making in high-pressure situations, helping to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a spot in the conference championship game.
Looking ahead, Darnold is set to meet Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams once again, with a trip to Super Bowl 60 on the line. This matchup marks the third consecutive meeting between the two quarterbacks, adding another layer of intensity to an already high-stakes game.
As the postseason unfolds, Darnold’s evolution from a struggling quarterback to a confident leader is evident. His ability to avoid negative plays and make the most of play-action opportunities could be the key to the Seahawks’ success as they aim for the ultimate prize in the NFL.
