Sam Darnold might have continued to be a real problem in big games for the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16, only this time, the situation unfolded in front of primetime viewers. Moreover, legendary Al Michaels, who was calling the game, summarized Darnold's continued performances against the Los Angeles Rams most brutally.
How it unfolded became far different after Michaels' summation, though.
With Seattle trailing 16-14 with the ball, Darnold threw a terrible pass that was intended for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, only Shaheed was well-covered. Even worse, the quarterback's pass was easily read, undercut by cornerback Josh Wallace, and intercepted. Wallace returned the ball to Seattle's 1-yard line before the Rams scored a touchdown.
Darnold has now played against the Rams three times in the past two seasons and has been terrible for five halves. Earlier this season, he threw four interceptions against LA in a 21-19 loss. While Darnold has had a productive season, he is also apt to make second half turnovers, so his pick against the Rams was seemingly not a surprise to fans.
Al Michaels thought he dropped the brutal truth about Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold
Seahawks fans watching the game at home heard Michaels say, "Every player seems to have a kryptonite, and the Rams would be Sam's kryptonite."
One would love to argue that point, but it's impossible. Michaels was seemingly correct. Sam Darnold was simply lost against defensive coordinator Chris Shula and the talent of the Rams' defense. He had offered little evidence that he would change at any point in the future.
But then, Sam Darnold changed the narrative, both for the game and for his career. He didn't throw more interceptions. He started making completions even while under pressure. He tossed touchdown passes. None bigger than the pass he threw to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba at the back of the end zone in overtime to tie the game.
Then, Darnold stayed poised and hit tight end Eric Saubert for a 2-point conversion for the victory. Seattle won 38-37, and now leads the NFC West and is currently the top seed in the NFC.
The Seattle Seahawks will almost certainly stick with Sam Darnold through the duration of the three-year deal he signed this past offseason, but maybe he actually does have the ability to defeat Seattle's fiercest rivals. If he can do that, there is no limit to what Seattle can do. That includes winning a Super Bowl.