Seattle’s Sam Darnold has achieved thirty-one victories and earned a Super Bowl title in just two seasons, yet Pro Football Focus recently placed him in the middle tier of NFL quarterbacks. Many fans and analysts are left wondering if his accomplishments warrant a higher ranking.
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Analysis and Opinions
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game.
Photo by Si
Key Takeaways:
- PFF recently ranked Sam Darnold in the middle among NFL quarterbacks
- Darnold has chalked up 31 wins and a Super Bowl victory over the last two seasons
- He featured prominently in the 2026 NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams
- The ranking has sparked debate over how achievements are measured
- Some analysts suggest he may be underrated given his record
The Ranking That Sparked Conversation
Pro Football Focus recently assigned Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold a middle-of-the-pack status among NFL quarterbacks. While many acknowledge this is “not a bad ranking,” the news still surprised some fans. For a quarterback who has led his team to extensive success, it raises questions about how performance metrics and intangible factors shape such evaluations.
A Record of Success
Over the last two seasons, Darnold has won thirty-one games and even captured a Super Bowl. This impressive track record has many observers second-guessing why he isn’t rated higher. As one commentator put it, “It’s not a bad ranking for Sam Darnold, but it seems a little bit lacking for a quarterback that has won thirty-one games and a super bowl over the last two seasons.”
The 2026 NFC Championship Game
Darnold’s most recent spotlight moment came during the 2026 NFC Championship Game, where he took on the Los Angeles Rams. The image of him passing against a formidable Rams defense highlights the stakes he often faces. While details of his championship performance are largely behind paywall reports, the significance of his presence in such high-level matchups fuels the conversation about his overall standing among elite players.
Mixed Opinions and Future Outlook
Reactions to Darnold’s ranking vary. Some argue that statistics should speak for themselves; others point to potential areas for growth that the ranking confirms. If Darnold continues to perform at a high level, it may only be a matter of time before his ranking more closely reflects his accomplishments. For now, though, he stands in the NFL’s middle tier—at least according to PFF—leaving fans and analysts watching closely to see if he will soon ascend to a higher echelon.
