Sam Darnold delivered a stellar performance, throwing four first-half touchdowns to lead the Seattle Seahawks to a dominant 38-14 victory over the Washington Commanders, significantly boosting his MVP candidacy.
On Sunday night, November 2, 2025, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold put on a masterclass, completing his first 16 passes and throwing four touchdowns before halftime. The Seahawks raced to a 28-0 lead and never looked back, improving their record to 6-2 and maintaining their perfect road record this season. Darnold’s near-flawless execution set the tone for a blowout win that underscored the team’s offensive prowess.
Darnold finished the game 21-of-24 for 330 yards, with four touchdowns and one interception, achieving a career-high Total QBR of 97.8. His 87.5% completion rate was the second-highest in Seahawks history, and he tied the franchise record by completing his first 17 passes, a feat last accomplished by Warren Moon in 1998. According to ESPN Research, this marked his third game this season with a QBR of 97 or higher, tying him with legends like Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson for the most such games in a season since 2006.
Despite being short-handed at receiver with Cooper Kupp, Jake Bobo, and Dareke Young inactive, the Seahawks’ offense didn’t miss a beat. Rookie Tory Horton stepped up with two touchdown catches, while tight end Elijah Arroyo and veteran Cody White also found the end zone. Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his stellar season, leading the NFL in receiving with 129 yards on eight catches, marking the sixth time in eight games he has topped triple digits. The balanced attack highlighted the depth and versatility of Seattle’s receiving corps.
Darnold’s performance significantly boosted his MVP odds, which improved from 60-to-1 to 18-to-1 by the end of the game, per ESPN BET. This surge reflects his remarkable consistency and impact on the Seahawks’ success, positioning him as a dark horse candidate in a competitive field. His resurgence has been a key storyline this season, drawing comparisons to some of the league’s elite quarterbacks and generating buzz among analysts and fans alike.
The Washington Commanders struggled throughout the game, and their quarterback Jayden Daniels exited late with a dislocated elbow, adding to their woes. For the Seahawks, middle linebacker Ernest Jones IV and cornerback Josh Jobe suffered injuries, with Jones’ not expected to be season-ending, according to coach Mike Macdonald. The injuries did little to dampen the team’s spirits, as the defense held firm despite the setbacks.
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold’s execution and decision-making, noting the team’s preparation and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s game plan. Teammates, including Smith-Njigba, commented on the flow of the game and the collective effort, emphasizing how the offense operated seamlessly. Darnold himself remained humble, joking about someone breaking the news of his perfect start at halftime, which he credited for his lone incompletion.
With this win, the Seahawks are now 4-0 on the road this season and 11-1 since the start of the previous season, positioning them as strong contenders in the NFC. As the trade deadline approaches, the team looks to build on this momentum, with Darnold’s resurgence serving as a catalyst for their playoff aspirations. The victory not only solidifies their standing but also sets the stage for a compelling second half of the season.