Sam Darnold To Start For Seahawks? Macdonald Responds

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 05, 2025

4.4

Share

Sam Darnold to Start for Seahawks? Macdonald Responds

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Seahawks' quarterback situation remains a hot topic, with speculation swirling around the possibility of Sam Darnold taking the starting role. Following a less-than-stellar preseason performance from Geno Smith, whispers have grown louder suggesting a potential shift in the team's starting lineup. But will Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll actually make the switch? His recent press conference offers some insight.

The question hanging over Seahawks fans is simple: Will Sam Darnold be under center when the Seahawks kick off their regular season? The team's performance in the preseason, punctuated by an inconsistent showing from incumbent starter Geno Smith, has fueled this debate. While Smith remains the presumed starter, Darnold's performance, while not spectacular, has shown flashes of potential, keeping the conversation alive.

<h3>Macdonald's Measured Response</h3>

Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron remained tight-lipped, offering only carefully worded statements about the ongoing quarterback competition. He praised both quarterbacks, highlighting Geno Smith's experience and leadership while acknowledging Sam Darnold's improvement and competitiveness. Waldron's carefully chosen words have done little to quell the speculation, however, leading many analysts and fans to interpret his comments as a strategic deflection rather than a definitive answer.

"Both Geno and Sam have had their moments throughout training camp and the preseason games," Waldron stated. "We're evaluating everything closely and will make the best decision for the team." This statement, while seemingly innocuous, leaves the door wide open for a surprising starting quarterback announcement.

<h3>Analyzing the Darnold Factor</h3>

Sam Darnold, a former number three overall pick, brings a different dynamic to the Seahawks' offense. His stronger arm and mobility offer a potential contrast to Smith's more pocket-passer style. The question is whether Darnold's potential outweighs the known quantity of Smith's experience and leadership within the Seahawks' locker room.

• Darnold's Strengths: Strong arm, mobility, potential for big plays.
• Darnold's Weaknesses: Inconsistency, turnover prone in the past.
• Smith's Strengths: Experience, leadership, familiarity with the offense.
• Smith's Weaknesses: Arm strength, mobility limitations.

The Seahawks' coaching staff faces a difficult decision. Starting Darnold could inject a new level of excitement and potential into the offense, but it also carries significant risk. Sticking with Smith provides stability and familiarity, but might limit the team's offensive ceiling.

<h3>What Happens Next?</h3>

The upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining the Seahawks' starting quarterback. The final roster cuts and further practice observations will provide the coaching staff with the information they need to make their decision. While the official announcement remains pending, the ongoing debate surrounding Sam Darnold and Geno Smith will undoubtedly continue to dominate Seahawks headlines until a clear answer is provided.

This situation highlights the ongoing evolution of NFL quarterback dynamics and the importance of preseason performances in shaping regular season starting lineups. The pressure is on, and all eyes are on Pete Carroll and the Seahawks' coaching staff to make the right call. Stay tuned for further updates as the regular season approaches.

Keywords: Sam Darnold, Seahawks, Geno Smith, Pete Carroll, Shane Waldron, NFL, quarterback, starting quarterback, preseason, training camp, NFL news, football news, Seahawks news.