Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Leads Team to 3-1 Start With Game-Winning Drives

Sam Darnold has been a revelation for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL season, playing at a remarkably high level that has drawn effusive praise from head coach Mike Macdonald. Darnold's performance in a thrilling Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals showcased his cool demeanor and leadership, as he orchestrated a game-winning drive with less than 30 seconds left, setting up a 52-yard field goal to seal a 23-20 win. Despite a late Cardinals rally that erased a large Seahawks lead, Darnold's poise and efficiency—completing over 70% of his passes and maintaining a high yards-per-attempt average—have made him an indispensable asset. His connection with rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been particularly impressive, with Smith-Njigba leading the league in receiving yards through four games. After signing a three-year, $100.5 million contract, Darnold is proving that his success is not merely a product of his previous system in Minnesota but a breakout campaign in Seattle. Coach Macdonald's confidence in Darnold underscores a growing optimism that the Seahawks have found a dynamic quarterback-coach duo capable of elevating the team's performance.