After 17 weeks, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves sitting atop the NFC standings, an outcome few fans or analysts predicted entering the season. Expectations were modest at best, but Seattle has defied the odds and emerged as one of the conference’s most consistent and resilient teams.
With Sam Darnold at quarterback, the Seahawks have pieced together an impressive campaign built on timely offense, defensive discipline, and an ability to win close games. Darnold’s arrival has been one of the season’s most surprising storylines. Tasked with steadying an offense that faced plenty of skepticism, he has delivered solid performances for most of the year, keeping Seattle competitive week after week.
However, even with the league’s best record, Seattle has a glaring concern heading into the postseason. Turnovers have plagued Darnold throughout the season, as interceptions and lost fumbles have too often put the offense in difficult positions. According to Clutch Points, Darnold is well aware of the issue and has taken responsibility for it.
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Darnold takes responsibility for his mistakes despite strong numbers
He has acknowledged that some turnovers are the result of tipped passes or breakdowns beyond his control, but he has also admitted that better decision-making could help eliminate many of them altogether.
As Seattle prepares for the postseason, cutting down on those costly mistakes may be the biggest factor in determining whether the Seahawks’ unexpected rise can continue deep into January.
“Turnovers, they’re unacceptable no matter how they come,” Darnold said during a press conference. “Obviously tipped balls and things like that, you would like to say, ‘Oh man, that’s out of my control.’
But did I need to be in that position for that guy to tip the ball? I think that all turnovers, all plays where we can look at ourselves and say, ‘Oh man, I could have done better on that play,’ which is almost every play. This team can continue to get better. Me personally too.”
Darnold has thrown 14 interceptions this season. Only Tua Tagovailoa and Geno Smith have thrown more. He has also lost six fumbles, which is the second-most in the league behind Cam Ward. While some teams struggle with early season expectations, the Seahawks have managed to stay on top despite these issues.
Even with these turnovers, Darnold has had a strong season. He has thrown for 3,850 yards and 25 touchdowns. He has completed 67.2% of his passes this year. Seattle’s success comes from both their offense and their defense. The Seahawks defense has been one of the best in football this season.
They allow just 292.6 yards per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The team will face tough competition in Week 18, including former quarterbacks who transformed their careers. The Seahawks hope to win their first Super Bowl since 2014, when they won Super Bowl XLVIII.
Published: Jan 3, 2026 02:45 pm