For weeks, NFL fans and pundits questioned Sam Darnold. They talked about the Seattle Seahawks' strong defense, Mike Macdonald's coaching, Klint Kubiak's offense, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba's breakout year.
The tone of the conversation was different when it came to the quarterback. It was often more about whether he'd have what it takes in the big moment or if he'd hold them back when it mattered the most. Fast forward to today, and it's safe to say that he did just fine.
That's why Seahawks star DL Leonard Williams wanted to set the record straight on Sam Darnold. Right after taking down the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, he made sure to send a strong message about his quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks' Leonard Williams has Sam Darnold's back
"There's been a lot of guys on our team that have overcome a lot of adversity -- Sam Darnold, a lot of people -- and we deserve to be in this moment," Williams told Stacey Dales of the NFL Network.
Of course, it's not that people wanted to doubt Darnold just for the sake of it. He had a long history of struggles and shortcomings, even last season when he finally took his career back from the ground with the Minnesota Vikings.
Also, he struggled mightily against the Rams this season, tossing four picks in one game and getting picked off six times across two contests. Add his oblique injury to the mix, and there were reasons to be worried.
Fortunately for the Seahawks, Darnold heard all the outside noise. And just like great players do, he responded. The former USC star completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the biggest game of his career.
Darnold's ascent is yet another proof of why teams shouldn't be so quick to move on from young quarterbacks. His arm talent and physical tools have always been more than evident, and sometimes, it's just a matter of being in the right situation and having a team that believes in your talent.
Even this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings could've rolled with Darnold after he led them to a 14-win season. Instead, they let him walk in free agency to commit to a rookie who was coming off breaking his knee before the season even started.
Darnold's story is inspiring. And even though he's been in the league for eight years now, he's just 28 years old. He's entering his prime, and if he stays healthy, he can be this team's franchise quarterback for the next decade.