Macdonald Stands Firm: Sam Darnold Remains Seahawks' Starting Quarterback

David

2 min read

Post on Jun 06, 2025

4.9

Share

Macdonald Stands Firm: Sam Darnold Remains Seahawks' Starting Quarterback

Seattle, WA – In a move that surprised few but solidified the Seahawks' immediate plans, head coach Pete Carroll reaffirmed Sam Darnold's position as the team's starting quarterback. Despite a less-than-stellar preseason and mounting pressure from fans and analysts alike, Carroll doubled down on his faith in the former No. 3 overall pick. This decision leaves Geno Smith, last year's surprising starter, relegated to the bench, at least for now.

This announcement comes on the heels of a series of underwhelming preseason performances from Darnold, raising questions about his readiness to lead the Seahawks into the upcoming season. While his talent is undeniable, consistency has been a persistent issue throughout his career. This season, the pressure is on even more, with the Seahawks aiming to build on their playoff appearance last year.

Why Carroll's Sticking with Darnold

Carroll’s unwavering support for Darnold suggests a deeper strategy than simply sticking with the familiar. Several factors likely contribute to this decision:

• Darnold's familiarity with the offensive system: Having spent time learning the nuances of Shane Waldron's offense, Darnold possesses an advantage over Smith, who, despite his success last season, would require re-adjustment. This familiarity translates to smoother gameplay and quicker decision-making on the field.

• Darnold's potential upside: Despite past inconsistencies, Carroll clearly sees untapped potential in Darnold. He believes the right environment and the right coaching can unlock the quarterback’s true abilities. The Seahawks' coaching staff likely sees aspects of Darnold's game ripe for development.

• Geno Smith's contract situation: While Smith exceeded expectations last season, his contract situation could be a factor. Keeping Darnold as the starter might offer more flexibility in terms of salary cap management.

The Pressure Mounts on Darnold

This decision places a significant weight on Darnold's shoulders. The pressure to perform will be immense, not just from fans and media scrutiny but also from within the team. A slow start could quickly lead to a change in quarterback, putting his NFL future in jeopardy.

The Seahawks face a challenging schedule this season, with tough matchups against both divisional rivals and playoff contenders. Darnold will need to prove his capability to manage the pressure, make smart decisions, and lead the offense consistently if he wants to maintain his starting role.

What's Next for the Seahawks?

The Seahawks' season opener will be a crucial test for Darnold. His performance will undoubtedly determine the narrative surrounding the team in the coming weeks. Failure to meet expectations could rapidly accelerate speculation about a potential quarterback switch, potentially bringing Smith back into the starting lineup. Regardless of the outcome, the Seahawks quarterback situation will remain a storyline to watch throughout the season.

Do you think Sam Darnold can deliver for the Seahawks this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!