Let’s be honest: “Sam Darnold for MVP” wasn’t on most NFL fans or pundits’ bingo cards this season. But after what he did in a 38-14 drubbing of the Commanders on Sunday Night Football, it’s time we start talking about it. Seriously.
Darnold didn’t just play well—he played like a man possessed. In the first half alone, he completed all 16 of his attempts for 282 yards and four touchdown passes for a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3. Do not adjust your screen—that’s not a typo. It took a little more than half of football for a ball not to find its target. It was like playing Madden with your younger sibling on rookie—pure domination.
Seattle jumped out to a 28–0 lead before Washington even knew what hit them. And the best part? Darnold wasn’t just feeding his stars—he was spreading the love. Rookie Tory Horton caught two scores, and both second-round tight end Elijah Arroyo and practice squad call-up Cody White snagged their first career TDs. That’s the kind of performance that not only elevates a passing game, but a whole roster too.
Ultimately, Darnold completed 17 straight passes, matching a club record held by the great Warren Moon. If you’re accomplishing things that put you in the same breath as Hall-of-Famers, you’re doing something right. While he wasn’t perfect, making an ill-advised throw across his body in the third quarter for a ghastly pick, he showed poise, leading another touchdown drive to bring the score to 38-7 and end Commanders fans’ hope for a comeback. He finished the night going 21 for 24 for 330 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.
Wait … Sam Darnold?
Yup. The same guy who bounced from the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers. The same guy who was labeled a bust before he turned 26. The same player who, after a storybook season with the Minnesota Vikings, reverted to a pumpkin in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. Now? He’s leading a 6–2 Seahawks team, torching defenses, and rewriting his story in real time.
Seattle’s front office deserves credit here. They took a chance on Darnold when most teams wouldn’t. They had an established starter in Geno Smith, who was solid, but the Seahawks missed the playoffs last season. Kudos to head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider, who saw something in the GEQBUS—a quarterback with untapped potential and the tools to thrive in their system. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Darnold has flourished by playing to his strengths—quick reads, play-action, and a whole lot of trust. And Darnold’s repaying that trust with some of the best football of his career.
MVP Numbers, MVP Vibes
Let’s talk stats. Through nine weeks, Darnold’s numbers stack up favorably against other MVP candidates. He ranks among the league leaders in completion percentage (6th among starting quarterbacks), TD-to-INT ratio (16 scores to 5 picks, a 3.2 ratio), and passer rating (third in the NFL with 116). He’s also thrown for the 6th most passing yards in the league and is second in yards per attempt with 9.6. But it’s not just the numbers, it’s the impact.
He’s helped lead the Seahawks to 10 straight road victories (a franchise record), and Macdonald is now one of only three coaches in NFL history to win 11 of his first 12 road contests. That’s not just good—it’s historic. And let’s not forget the narrative. MVP voters love a comeback story, and Darnold’s got a great one. A former top pick, cast off by multiple teams, now leading a contender, is the kind of arc the media eats up. It’s a tangible example of how resilience and the right fit can change everything.
It’s Not Just Him
While the USC alum was the leading story against Washington, Seattle’s defense has been lights out. They forced turnovers, gave Darnold short fields, and kept the Commanders in check all night. Special teams even chipped in with a takeaway. It was a full-team clinic, and Darnold was the conductor.
When your quarterback doesn’t have to play hero ball, he can play smart, aggressive football. That’s exactly what we saw on Sunday Night Football.
So What’s Next?
The Seahawks have some tough games ahead against playoff-caliber teams, starting with a home date against the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday, and Darnold will need to keep this up if he wants to stay in the MVP race. But if Week 9 was any indication, he’s more than ready.
Seattle fans, buckle up. You’ve got a quarterback who’s not just playing well—he’s playing like a star. And if he keeps this up, don’t be surprised if “Sam Darnold, MVP” becomes more than just a hot take.
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