Sam Darnold might be the Seattle Seahawks' problem that they cannot simply brush aside. Two consecutive losses have exposed an offense that cannot protect its quarterback, sustain its running game, or avoid devastating turnovers when the pressure peaks. Darnold's latest mistakes, however, proved particularly costly in Thursday night's 17-14 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. His two interceptions squandered opportunities to steal a road victory. Calls to bench him for Drew Lock are understandable. That's especially with Seattle's championship defense doing everything possible to keep games within reach. That said, replacing Darnold might treat the symptom rather than the disease. The Seahawks certainly need accountability from their quarterback. However, they also need to fix the protection and play-calling problems that keep putting him in difficult situations.
Tough loss
The Seahawks fell to 3-3 after a frustrating night at Empower Field. Their defense held Denver to just 168 total yards while the offense accumulated 353. Seattle trailed 14-3 at halftime after Rashid Shaheed lost a fumble that helped set up an RJ Harvey touchdown. The Seahawks, though, rallied in the fourth quarter. George Holani's goal-line touchdown and a successful two-point conversion brought Seattle within one. That was before Jason Myers drilled a 34-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to force overtime. The comeback ultimately went to waste when Darnold threw an interception to Ja'Quan McMillian on Seattle's opening overtime possession. That set up Wil Lutz's 53-yard game-winning kick. Darnold finished with 278 passing yards and two interceptions. Denver managed no points after halftime until the decisive field goal.
Darnold deserves criticism
There is no escaping Darnold's responsibility for this defeat. His late interception in regulation wasted a potential game-winning opportunity. His overtime giveaway handed Denver the field position it needed to finish the job. Those mistakes came after he threw two interceptions against San Francisco just five days earlier.
Darnold must recognize when the smart play is to throw the ball away, take a checkdown, or live to fight another down. Seattle's defense is playing well enough to win close games. Their offense cannot keep gifting opponents extra opportunities.
Still, benching Darnold for Lock would be an extreme response to a problem that extends well beyond quarterback play. Lock has shown he can manage the offense. Seattle, though, cannot assume he would fare better behind the same struggling offensive line. The question is not whether Darnold has played poorly; he has. The question is whether Lock gives Seattle a better chance to win under the current circumstances.
For now, the answer should be no. Darnold has shown enough ability to warrant another opportunity, but his leash must be shorter. If the turnovers continue, the coaching staff will have a much stronger case for making a change.
Interior protection
The Seahawks' offensive line has become a major liability. Denver sacked Darnold five times and recorded 17 quarterback hits. That followed a San Francisco performance in which Seattle also surrendered five sacks.
With right guard Anthony Bradford on injured reserve, Seattle has struggled to find stability along the interior. Defensive fronts have exploited communication breakdowns and pressure packages. This has left Darnold to make decisions with defenders closing in around him.
The running game has offered little relief. They produced just 74 yards on 25 carries against Denver. That lack of balance allows opponents to concentrate on the passing game and makes every dropback more dangerous. Lock would just inherit those same problems. Darnold still needs to make better decisions, but the offense cannot expect him to overcome relentless pressure on every possession.
Mini-bye
Seattle's extended break before hosting Kansas City on October 25 gives head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Brian Fleury time to reassess the offense. The first priority should be simplifying the passing concepts. They need quicker throws to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and incorporating more movement to prevent defenses from teeing off on Darnold.
Article Continues BelowGeneral manager John Schneider should also evaluate whether a trade can improve the interior offensive line before the deadline. The Seahawks cannot keep expecting their defense to compensate for an offense that repeatedly loses the turnover battle.
Darnold should remain the starter against Kansas City in Week 7. That said, he must understand that another careless interception could change the conversation permanently.
Keep Darnold, demand more
Benching Darnold now would be a dramatic move. It risks destabilizing the offense without addressing its underlying problems. Of course, patience cannot be unlimited. Seattle's championship defense is giving the team a chance to win. Their offense must stop wasting it. If Darnold continues to force throws into coverage and surrender crucial possessions, Lock deserves consideration.
For now, the Seahawks should resist panic and fix the problems around their quarterback. But Darnold has run out of excuses. The next game must show that he can learn from his mistakes, or the calls for a benching will become impossible to ignore.