Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has declared the team’s league-leading 20 turnovers ‘unacceptable’ in the wake of a costly loss, underscoring a persistent issue that threatens their offensive efficiency. His remarks came after a four-interception performance against the Los Angeles Rams, where ball security lapses proved decisive in a 21-19 defeat.
Darnold faced reporters on Thursday, taking full accountability for the turnovers and vowing to improve. ‘We understand as an offense, we have to be better, I have to be better, protecting the football,’ he said, noting that the team is intensifying efforts in practice to address the problem. The Seahawks’ offense, which averages 26.6 points per game, has been prolific but marred by 12 turnovers in the last four weeks alone, contributing to their NFL-worst total.
The quarterback’s four picks against the Rams marked his third career game with that many interceptions and his first since 2019. Darnold attributed some of the mistakes to failing to recognize defensive schemes, particularly shell coverages, and getting ‘stuck’ on progressions. He emphasized the need to keep his eyes moving and make quicker decisions under pressure, while crediting the Rams for effectively disguising their looks.
Overall, the Seahawks’ 20 turnovers are the most in the NFL, with 14 directly linked to Darnold—10 interceptions and four fumbles. While a few were fluky, like a deflection off a teammate’s helmet or a botched snap, the majority stem from execution errors. This trend has overshadowed Darnold’s strong season, where he ranks fourth in Total QBR and has thrown 17 touchdown passes, highlighting the fine line between success and failure.
In a show of solidarity, teammates immediately defended Darnold post-game. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV delivered an impassioned statement, saying, ‘Sam’s been balling. If we want to define him by this game—man, he’s had us in every game. We’ve got his back, and if you’ve got anything to say, quite frankly, f— you.’ Coach Mike Macdonald affirmed that Jones spoke for the entire team, underscoring the locker room’s unity and collective responsibility.
Darnold expressed deep gratitude for the support, calling it meaningful in a league where such cohesion isn’t guaranteed. ‘That energy and the things that he said meant a lot to me for a guy to have my back like that,’ he remarked. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp added that the incident reflects the team’s ’12 as One’ philosophy, where wins and losses are shared, and players rally to pick each other up in tough moments.
The Seahawks now turn their attention to Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, with reducing turnovers as a top priority. Darnold’s ability to rebound will be crucial for maintaining their playoff position in a competitive NFC, as the team aims to leverage its offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Practice sessions are focused on ball security and progression reads to prevent similar mishaps.
Ultimately, this episode highlights how turnovers can derail even high-performing teams, but the Seahawks’ strong record and tight-knit culture provide a foundation for correction. As they navigate the remainder of the season, fans and analysts will watch to see if Darnold and the offense can translate these lessons into more consistent, mistake-free performances to secure postseason success.
