Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks entered the season with clear expectations for Sam Darnold, and the quarterback has delivered beyond what anyone anticipated.
Darnold dismantled the Washington Commanders in Week 9, throwing four touchdown passes before his first incompletion in a dominant victory.
His command of the offense has elevated the Seahawks’ attack and raised the ceiling for their season.
Analyst Louis Riddick believes Darnold’s play directly influenced Seattle’s decision to acquire wide receiver Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints before the NFL trade deadline.
The former defensive back also gave his honest thoughts on the well-traveled QB.
“Sam Darnold is playing out of his mind right now,” Riddick said. “There is no question that Sam, and the way he is playing, is the driving force behind why now that you feel comfortable just adding and picking and choosing pieces to kind of continue to add to this offense. They need to solidify the middle of this offensive line, for sure, and get the running game going, because its yards per carry is not where it needs to be. But, wow, Seattle’s loaded now.”
"Sam Darnold is playing out of his mind right now. … Seattle is loaded now."@LRiddickESPN says Darnold's play this season was the driving force behind why the Seahawks traded for WR Rashid Shaheed ? pic.twitter.com/NqXpH5q0JS
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 4, 2025
Riddick mentioned that Darnold ranks second in total QBR and in completion percentage above expected.
Those metrics reveal a quarterback operating at a consistently high level while making plays others do not.
His ability to distribute the ball effectively has also raised the performance of those around him.
Seattle’s tight end combination of A.J. Barner and Elijah Arroyo provides reliable options in the passing game.
The rushing attack remains a concern and needs improvement despite Darnold’s success through the air.
The wide receivers have become a significant strength with Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s versatility, Shaheed’s deep speed, Cooper Kupp commanding attention from the slot, and rookie Tory Horton contributing as an all-around weapon.
Darnold has transformed Seattle’s offense into one of the league’s most dangerous units heading into the second half of the season.
NEXT: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is On Pace For Record-Breaking Season
