SEATTLE — After being overlooked by the New York Jets, who selected him No. 3 in 2018, Sam Darnold didn’t return to the Minnesota Vikings following a 14-3 season that ended in disappointment during the playoffs.
Now, in his inaugural season with the Seattle Seahawks, he’s headed to the Super Bowl.
Darnold threw three touchdown passes, while the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense secured a pivotal fourth-down stop, propelling Seattle to a Super Bowl berth with a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.
“You can’t discuss this game without mentioning our quarterback,” said second-year Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. “He proved a lot of critics wrong tonight, and I’m thrilled for him.”
With Darnold leading the way — an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth franchise — the Seahawks have reached their fourth Super Bowl ever and their first in 11 years. They previously faced off against the New England Patriots in their 2015 appearance.
Darnold, who faced a tough playoff debut last season with Minnesota against the very Rams he just defeated, played through an oblique injury, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards without turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba excelled as well, racking up 153 receiving yards — the second-highest in a playoff game in franchise history — along with a touchdown on 10 receptions.
“I can’t express how much Sam means to us,” Smith-Njigba remarked. “It’s been an incredible first year. We’ve got one more to go. For him to push through everything, I’m fully behind Sam.”
The Seahawks needed Darnold to match Matthew Stafford’s performance, as the Rams pushed forward to potentially take the lead with 4:59 left in the game. On fourth down at Seattle’s 6-yard line, Rams coach Sean McVay opted to go for it, but Stafford’s pass was deflected in the end zone by cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
“He’s the heart of our defense,” praised Seattle safety Julian Love regarding Witherspoon. “He embodies our spirit. Spoon’s energy is unmatched, and we adore him for it.”
After the Rams failed to reclaim possession until just 25 seconds remained, wide receiver Puka Nacua was tackled in bounds near midfield on their last play.
Stafford put up 374 yards and three touchdowns, but costly mistakes ultimately led to the Rams’ downfall, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter. On the following play, Darnold connected with wideout Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown, increasing the lead to 24-13.
“That was a tough loss,” McVay admitted.
The Seahawks held a 31-20 lead late in the third quarter after Darnold’s 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. yet, the Rams clawed their way back when Seattle cornerback Riq Woolen received a taunting penalty after successfully breaking up a pass to Nacua on third down, gifting L.A. a fresh set of downs.
On the very next play, Stafford targeted Woolen again, and Nacua managed to outmaneuver him in the corner of the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown.
“though I made a great play, I wasn’t great for my team,” Woolen commented. “I need to improve in that area and celebrate with my teammates.”
The Rams forced a punt on the Seahawks’ next possession but were halted after a 14-play, 84-yard drive due to Witherspoon’s crucial pass breakup.
Seattle maintained an aggressive approach on their final drive, with Darnold securing three first downs to run down the clock.
Darnold set the tone with his initial completion of the game, a 51-yarder to wideout Rashid Shaheed. Just four plays later, Walker scored from 2 yards out to note the scoreboard at 7-0.
With a 13-10 lead, Los Angeles forced a three-and-out late in the second quarter. After two incomplete passes by Stafford, they returned the ball to Darnold, who made the most of it—taking just 34 seconds to secure the lead for good.
Smith-Njigba caught a deep pass from Darnold, enduring a heavy hit by Kam Curl but still maintaining possession for a 42-yard gain. Four plays later, Darnold and Smith-Njigba connected again, this time for a 14-yard touchdown, putting the score at 17-13 as they headed into halftime.
“I told my team I would do whatever it takes, no matter what you ask of me,” said Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s leading receiver in the regular season. “What you saw today was pure grit, determination, and passion, showcasing a collective effort to get the job done.”
“If he wants to, I know he’s still playing at an exceptionally high level,” McVay stated. “He’s the league MVP, and if not, I respect the other candidates. But he’s on a different level right now.”
The Seahawks have opened as 3.5-point favorites against the Patriots for Super Bowl LX, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total has been set at 46.5.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
