RENTON, Wash. — Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold likes to start his weekly information conferences with a gap assertion, they usually normally embrace some kind of point out about his pleasure for the upcoming matchup.
So Darnold was talking in his regular phrases when he stepped to the lectern Friday to debate the Seahawks’ recreation Sunday towards the Minnesota Vikings at Lumen Subject and commenced by saying, “I am excited for this one.”
Darnold wasn’t in a very reflective temper whereas answering questions on dealing with his former crew, although he did specific gratitude for having spent final season in Minnesota.
“I am very grateful for the time that I spent there, all of the those who I created relationships with, all of the individuals in that locker room, all of the coaches there, the individuals in that constructing,” Darnold mentioned when requested what his yr with the Vikings meant to him. “However I’m very excited to be right here and to proceed doing what we’re doing this yr.”
The No. 2 decide in 2018, Darnold went 21-35 as a starter over his first six seasons whereas enjoying for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. His profession took off after he signed a one-year deal in Minnesota. Beneath the steering of coach Kevin O’Connell, Darnold threw 35 landing passes, led the Vikings to a 14-3 report and generated some MVP buzz on his solution to a Professional Bowl choice.
“I believe I improved in loads of sides of my life, not solely on the sphere, off the sphere as properly,” he mentioned. “Simply persevering with to study soccer from nice coaches over there and being round some actually good gamers as properly.”
Darnold’s resurgent season wasn’t sufficient to safe a long-term future in Minnesota. The Vikings as an alternative turned to J.J. McCarthy after final yr’s tenth general decide missed his rookie season with a knee damage, they usually opted to not hold Darnold for yet another season through the franchise tag.
The Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders after a breakdown in extension talks and pivoted to Darnold, whom they signed to a three-year, $100.5 million deal.
Darnold was requested whether or not a return to Minnesota was a viable possibility.
“I believe for me, it was simply understanding what was being talked about … behind closed doorways with individuals over there and my individuals,” he mentioned. “However on the finish of the day, I made the choice to return right here and I am very, very comfortable about that call and excited to proceed to work the best way that we have been working right here and proceed to construct the relationships in that locker room and with the teaching employees right here.”
McCarthy ranks thirty third in Whole QBR (24.2) this season and will not play Sunday as he stays within the concussion protocol. Undrafted rookie Max Brosmer will make his first profession begin for the Vikings (4-7).
Darnold, in the meantime, ranks sixth in Whole QBR (69.5) regardless of some turnover struggles, together with 10 interceptions and 4 fumbles misplaced. However he ranks fifth in completion charge (69.5%) and first in yards per try (9.3) whereas working the NFL’s most run-heavy offense. He has been sacked solely 11 instances in 11 video games, a marked change from final season.
Darnold was sacked 48 instances in 17 regular-season video games with the Vikings, then he took 9 sacks of their wild-card playoff loss. He additionally struggled in a loss in Week 18, finishing solely 18 of 41 makes an attempt for 166 yards.
Darnold was requested Friday if he felt his remaining two video games had been overemphasized in assessments of his 2024 season.
“We went down that path, and on the finish of the day, I am right here,” he mentioned. “No matter individuals wish to say about it, it’s what it’s. I am simply very grateful to be right here and be on this state of affairs.”
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores referred to as Darnold “one among my favorites” earlier this week, saying they developed a friendship final season.
“I am comfortable for him, however we are going to blitz him this week,” Flores mentioned. “That is for certain.”
Minnesota’s blitz charge of 44.5% is by far the best within the NFL. Over their final three video games, they’ve despatched an additional rusher on over 59% of opponents’ dropbacks.
“Clearly a very nice problem for us going up towards Flo his protection and all of the completely different issues that he can create for an offense,” Darnold mentioned. “Clearly a fantastic scheme … but in addition actually, actually good gamers and their complete crew, I do know KO’s received these guys rolling over there. We’re enthusiastic about it, excited for this problem.”