The Seattle Seahawks are “chasing it”, according to head coach Mike Macdonald, after Sam Darnold inspired them to a 38-14 victory at the Washington Commanders.
Darnold went 21-of-24 for 330 yards and four touchdowns as the Seahawks improved to 6-2. The quarterback was perfect in the first half, connecting on all 16 attempts with zero completions.
Macdonald said: “Sam’s execution right now, he’s just ridiculous.
“All the things we’ve talked about that he’s been doing, but decisive, making smart decisions, our receivers are doing a great job, I thought the protection was really good.”
It’s fun to watch – Macdonald
He added: “Believe me when I say it, I’m not surprised.
“We watch Sam every day and how he operates, and he’s the same guy every day, which is what you love about him. We’re chasing it. The guys are determined, and it’s fun to watch. When the team comes together, that’s the type of stuff you can do when you play the right way, you prepare the right way. Our coaches deserve a lot of credit. I thought [offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak] called a great game.”
Darnold’s run of completions may have gone on longer had a member of the Seahawks staff not cursed him at half-time by informing him of his perfect record – traditionally a no-no.
“Obviously, I can feel the flow of the game and understand that we’re doing really good on offense, but no I didn’t know that I hadn’t thrown an incompletion,” Darnold said.
“It was pretty cool. Someone at halftime said to me that I hadn’t thrown an incompletion, so I think he’s to blame for throwing an incompletion in the second half. Not going to say who it was.”
Daniels hammer blow
A great night for the Seahawks and their quarterback was in direct contrast to the woes suffered by the Commanders and Jayden Daniels.
Daniels sustained a dislocated left elbow in the fourth quarter after being sacked by linebacker Drake Thomas.
An MRI today will determine whether his season is over.
“Just distraught,” tight end Zach Ertz said. “I care about Jayden the person much more than the player. The player is phenomenal, one of the best players in the league. He meant so much to me, to see him down like that in pain is tough. Football is a tough sport, a physical sport. To see injuries like that is difficult.”
Marcus Mariota will replace Daniels but says his promotion will be bittersweet.
“Football is a violent game, something we understand going into it, but that being said, it still hurts,” Mariota said. “We all talked about it afterward, just being there for him. Making sure he feels supported and know he’s not doing this alone is important for us.
“He’s always in good spirits. He’s an incredible person in that sense.”
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