Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Faces Tough Defensive Testing In Summer Training

Sam Darnold, the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback, is facing a challenging training camp under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who is employing disguises and traps to test Darnold's reads and mental toughness early in the offseason. Despite the difficulties, including consecutive interceptions on similar plays, Darnold remains hopeful that these challenges will pay off during the regular season. To prepare, Darnold took initiative this summer by holding extra throwing sessions in California with key receivers like Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, aiming to build chemistry and sharpen timing. The Seahawks' offense is still being sorted out, with Smith-Njigba as the No. 1 wide receiver and Kupp as the No. 2, while other roles remain to be defined through training camp and preseason. These efforts reflect Darnold's steady growth over recent years and his commitment to elevating the Seahawks' passing game. Meanwhile, rookies and new players such as Elijah Arroyo are generating some buzz as potential contributors in Seattle's revamped offense.