Has Sam Darnold fixed his turnover issues? The Seahawks better hope so

Key Takeaways:

• Sam Darnold’s past includes moments of MVP-caliber play.
• Turnover issues have plagued him, notably against the Rams.
• The Seahawks are uncertain which version of Darnold they will get.
• A healthier turnover-free performance could boost Seattle’s chances.
• Darnold’s progress (or lack thereof) is critical to the 2025 season.

The Two Faces of Sam Darnold

Quarterback Sam Darnold has been described in polarizing terms—either as an “MVP-caliber signal caller” or a “turnover machine.” This dual reputation stems from his capacity to deliver eye-popping throws one week and commit costly mistakes the next. In Seattle, the stakes are high: the team is gambling on the upside of his remarkable talent while hoping his turnover tendencies do not resurface.

The Seahawks’ Current Dilemma

With Darnold now wearing a Seahawks jersey, questions swirl around how he will perform under pressure. Supporters expect him to reprise his best moments and bring stable leadership to the offense. Skeptics, however, remember all too well that turnovers can quickly derail a game—and they wonder if Darnold can maintain consistency.

Looking Back at the Rams Game

Critics point to a previous contest against the Rams when Darnold “cost his team” through turnovers. Whether it was ill-timed interceptions or fumbles, that performance left a lasting mark on perceptions of his reliability. The memory lingers as a template of what Seattle hopes to avoid.

What’s Next for Seattle?

For the Seahawks, the future with Darnold hinges on the version they get this season. If he can banish the lapses that have undermined him in the past, he brings the kind of raw skill any team craves in a franchise quarterback. If he cannot, Seattle faces a season of uneasy odds. As fans watch each snap, the team’s—and potentially the league’s—consensus on Sam Darnold remains uncertain.