Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has notoriously struggled in primetime throughout his eight-year NFL career to date. However, he rose to the occasion in the team's thrilling 31-27 NFC Championship Game victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
Darnold all but erased his status as an underachiever in big moments when Seattle needed him most. He delivered in the Seahawks-Rams trilogy after it looked like Los Angeles had his number in their two regular-season meetings. It's impossible not to be impressed with what we saw from him, especially given the magnitude of this win-or-go-home showdown.
By the sound of it, FOX Sports' lead analyst/minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders/football royalty Tom Brady, was blown away by Darnold.
NFL legend Tom Brady gives Sam Darnold well-deserved flowers during Seahawks' Super Bowl-clinching win vs. Rams
Brady is a man of many hats, juggling multiple positions at once. But one title that no one will take away from him anytime soon is his label as the greatest player of all time. So, it shouldn't be taken lightly that he sang Darnold's praises on the broadcast.
"Sam Darnold has had the best game of his season," Brady said. "Today, he has been absolutely flawless in his decision making and so accurate. ... There is nothing better than playing your best game in the biggest moment of your life."
Again, this is coming from the most accomplished signal-caller in league history. Brady is a 15-time Pro Bowler and three-time MVP with a whopping seven Super Bowls to his name. That truly cannot be overstated and speaks to how far Darnold has come in what's been an unconventional journey to reach this point.
It felt like Darnold could do no wrong against the Rams. He was dialed in from the outset of the contest, connecting with wide receiver Rashid Shaheed on a 51-yard completion on Seattle's opening offensive drive. His efforts propelled the Seahawks to take down the Rams and return to the Big Game for the first time since the 2013 campaign.
Many expected the Rams to have the advantage under center in Seattle. After all, Matthew Stafford is a future Hall of Famer who's been in these situations and hoisted the Lombardi Trophy before. Nevertheless, Darnold stepped up with a surgical performance to keep pace, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns.