The Darnold myth

[Captain 97]

All year the narrative about Darnold has been wait until the games matter and he will collapse. well he showed up big in two huge games and the myth still persists. I am still seeing people on line say wait until he has to face a real pass rush in the playoffs. Well check this out.....

Top 12 in the league in sacks are....
1. Denver (Can't face until the superbowl)
2. Atlanta (Darnold Beat them 37-9)
3. Cleveland (Not in the Playoffs)
4. Detroit (not in the playoffs
5. Minnesota (Darnold Beat them 26-0)
6. Pittsburgh (Darnold Beat them 31-17)
7. Houston (Darnold Beat them 27-19)
8. Rams (Darnold Beat them 38-37 and lost 21-19)
9. Seattle (Can't play yourself)
10. New Orleans (Darnold beat them 44-13)
11. Chargers (Can't Face until the superbowl)
12. Tennesee (Darnold Beat them 30-24)

So he has played 8 games against top 12 pass rushes and is 7-1 against them averaging 31.5 points per game against them. Darnold may very well be the single most battle tested QB in the entire playoffs and he has the team at 14-3. Very odd how this myth got written in stone based on one bad game last year.

[Michael K.]

What's interesting is that, at least amongst Seahawk fans, the 26 to 0 whooping of the Vikings might have been the most criticism Darnold took. They are a very good defense, just a shitty offense with a shitty QB.

It's recency bias....he is still paying for the end of last season and the first game in the playoffs. It also doesn't help that in his rookie year he was caught on tape saying he was seeing Ghosts. It's not fair, but until he wins a ring? He's probably going to be questioned.

The guy has come up big this year. The one thing that amazes me the most about him is how he can come back from mistakes. I realize this is a different coaching staff as well, but besides the Packers in the NFCCG, when have we had a QB commit HUGE turnovers and come back from that later in the game?

He made a ton of mistakes in both Rams game, and yet wins one of those games and was a lucky bounce punt away from winning the other one. The early mistake against the 49ers? I realize it was the first drive of the game, but his best drive might have been the very next one. He just doesn't seem phased by it all. Anyone who watched him at SC or watched him last year prior to week 18 knows he has the ability. Shit, how about the two play scoring drive to beat us last year? If I recall correctly? He hadn't played all that well, but then dissects us with the game on the line.

I think there are a lot of people that believe in him right now, but it's going to take a bit more to move the needle with those that don't buy in. And those are usually the people that are most vocal.

Salk probably said it best this morning. Something about how he loves the guy, but still gets nervous watching him play...waiting for the next mistake. I didn't feel that way on Saturday night, but I do get the sentiment.

[douche]

He seems to struggle with what most QBs struggle with... the mental aspect. But he does appear to have a short memory and bounces back quickly from a bad play/decision. Which is a good thing.

While we don't know exactly what goes within the confines of the VMAC, I'd be certain that MM and his staff are dotting all the 'i's' and crossing all the 't's' to help instill confidence in Darnold to help him succeed.

[DavidGee24]

I think that what happened is they turned Darnold into a game manager after that first Rams game. He's not making many big throws downfield like he was earlier this season but he's cut down on the mistakes. However, I think that mentality was what cost him what should have been the first TD when Charbonneau ran out into the flat unaccompanied.

[Captain 97]

Sam 2025 compared to Russell in 2013.

[trharder]

We are all riding with Sam. There's no point in cutting it up. He's the guy. Go Hawks.

[douche]

I think that what happened is they turned Darnold into a game manager after that first Rams game. He's not making many big throws downfield like he was earlier this season but he's cut down on the mistakes. However, I think that mentality was what cost him what should have been the first TD when Charbonneau ran out into the flat unaccompanied.

Good point. He seemed hesitant to make that throw, like it wasn't even an option. I guess we'll never know for certain.

[57reasons]

I think that what happened is they turned Darnold into a game manager after that first Rams game. He's not making many big throws downfield like he was earlier this season but he's cut down on the mistakes. However, I think that mentality was what cost him what should have been the first TD when Charbonneau ran out into the flat unaccompanied.

Good point. He seemed hesitant to make that throw, like it wasn't even an option. I guess we'll never know for certain.

Dont think that was it; the back was wide open, he just plain didnt see him. Possible his vision was obscured by a rusher - we of course as spectators dont have that problem with the overhead camera, Darnold may have, or else he just hadnt progressed to that read yet.

[D-train]

I think that what happened is they turned Darnold into a game manager after that first Rams game. He's not making many big throws downfield like he was earlier this season but he's cut down on the mistakes. However, I think that mentality was what cost him what should have been the first TD when Charbonneau ran out into the flat unaccompanied.

Good point. He seemed hesitant to make that throw, like it wasn't even an option. I guess we'll never know for certain.

Dont think that was it; the back was wide open, he just plain didnt see him. Possible his vision was obscured by a rusher - we of course as spectators dont have that problem with the overhead camera, Darnold may have, or else he just hadnt progressed to that read yet.

Agree. Hesitant to make a throw to a wide open back in the flat is absurd.

[auroraave]

I think that what happened is they turned Darnold into a game manager after that first Rams game. He's not making many big throws downfield like he was earlier this season but he's cut down on the mistakes. However, I think that mentality was what cost him what should have been the first TD when Charbonneau ran out into the flat unaccompanied.

Good point. He seemed hesitant to make that throw, like it wasn't even an option. I guess we'll never know for certain.

Dont think that was it; the back was wide open, he just plain didnt see him. Possible his vision was obscured by a rusher - we of course as spectators dont have that problem with the overhead camera, Darnold may have, or else he just hadnt progressed to that read yet.

Defenses adjusted coverages to Seattle's offense and took away a lot of the big plays down field - Seattle has struggled since then. The good news is the running game is picking up - which should theoretically open that back up. Darnold makes me nervous in the pocket. I don't have huge faith in him - I would actually like him to do a little more street ball and scramble. I know he's our guy right now, but I am not all that confident in him. Every series I am crossing my fingers and hoping he doesn't make a big mistake. I would keep looking for a QB if I am Schneider, but I know it's slim pickings wherever you look. Probably time to bring in Milroe for the playoff run. Yes, I am joking. The defense can carry a lot of the load but the offense has to score in the playoffs - and I am just not very confident. It's doable but feels like an house of cards waiting to be exposed. We are going to have to really run the ball effectively to win, IMO, and teams like Philly, lambs, have good defensive fronts.

The missed throw to CHarb's was another glaring error - what should've been an easy TD turned into a drive killing sack. Just. Fucking. Brutal. That is a play every single offense in the NFL runs because it always works. That was against a straight trash defense, too, making it so much worse to digest. That is what ends playoff runs in tight games - and why he makes me so nervous.