As the Seattle Seahawks approach the playoffs, their turnaround this season has been remarkable. After a shaky start with a record of 4-5, the team has surged to an impressive 20 wins in their last 25 regular season games. This remarkable performance has propelled them to the top seed in the NFC, a feat attributed largely to quarterback Sam Darnold, who has revitalized his career after a successful stint with the Minnesota Vikings last year.
Reflecting on his journey, Darnold emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes. “It’s just about learning from the mistakes and staying calm,” he stated, recalling his pivotal Week 18 performance. His leadership on the field has not only inspired his teammates but also contributed significantly to the team’s success. Darnold described the Seahawks as a “resilient” group that has found ways to win games under various circumstances. He believes that as long as the team continues to improve, they have a solid chance at securing their first playoff victory since 2016.
The Seahawks have recognized Darnold’s contributions with financial rewards. He surpassed the 4,000 passing yards mark during the 2025 regular season, earning him a bonus of $500,000. This recognition underscores his importance, making him one of only six quarterbacks to achieve this milestone this year. The Seahawks’ 14-3 record this season marks the best in the franchise’s history, eclipsing their previous benchmark of 13 wins set during the 16-game era.
This season has also been notable for individual achievements. Darnold has thrown for over 4,000 yards and more than 25 touchdowns for the second consecutive year. Additionally, wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba set a new franchise record with 1,793 receiving yards, showcasing the depth of talent on Seattle’s roster.
While the offense has garnered much of the spotlight, Darnold was quick to credit the defense for their crucial role in the team’s success. “I feel like there were a lot of opportunities missed [in the red zone], but our defense picked us up,” he remarked. He praised their consistent performance throughout the season, emphasizing the collective effort that has defined the team’s identity.
With an extra week to prepare for the postseason, the Seahawks are focused on making the most of their playoff opportunity. The last time they held the top seed in the NFC, they advanced to the Super Bowl, a goal they aspire to achieve once again.
As the playoffs approach, the Seahawks and Darnold are poised to make a significant impact, building on their successful run and aiming to bring home a championship. The combination of Darnold’s leadership and the team’s resilience has set the stage for an exciting postseason ahead.
