As the Seattle Seahawks enter the 2024 NFL season, Sam Darnold is taking the helm as the team’s starting quarterback, showcasing a firm grasp of the offense’s intricacies. His early command of the system signals a promising start for the Seahawks, with his understanding becoming a key asset in shaping the team’s offensive identity.
Veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp highlighted Darnold’s deep knowledge of route concepts and ability to recognize defensive tactics, which accelerates the offense’s preparation and cohesion. This early mastery is positioning Darnold as a decisive leader who drives the urgency among teammates to execute effectively against opposing defenses.
Veteran Receivers Praise Darnold’s Leadership and Football IQ
Cooper Kupp emphasized the impact of Darnold’s leadership on the offense, noting his ability to identify and correct errors in real time. Kupp remarked on the quarterback’s urgency in aligning teammates to the proper spots on the field, which enhances their chances of success against various defensive looks.
We’re going to get there (as an offense) and because of the urgency of guys like Sam who see when it’s not right and can say, ‘Hey, this is how it has to be to make this thing go against this look and how we’re going to be able to attack this defense, this is where I need guys to be.’ Now, I love that,
Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver
I love when your quarterback is taking that urgency into things and understanding and mastery of these concepts. So it’s real fun to play with someone like that and excited for the guys to come alongside him and learn and make those things come to life.
Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver
Kupp also pointed out that Darnold’s familiarity with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system, having worked with him in 2023 at the San Francisco 49ers, gave him an early advantage over teammates new to the scheme. This background allows Darnold to focus on the precise execution and detailed aspects necessary to make the offense successful.
He’s kind of been in this offense a little bit, so he’s got a little bit of a leg-up on a lot of the guys that are learning for the first time,
Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver
You see there’s an understanding he knows what it takes to make this offense go. It’s the details. It’s all that stuff, precision, execution.
Cooper Kupp, Wide Receiver
Seattle’s Head Coach Acknowledges Darnold’s Rapid Development
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold’s quick adaptation and steady growth within the offense. He described the quarterback’s development as tangible, fueling confidence among players and coaches alike. Macdonald expressed enthusiasm about working alongside such a competitive athlete who continuously elevates his performance.
Sam is doing a great job,
Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach
Sam is a great feel for the offense right now in terms of growing every day. So you can feel the growth. You can feel the improvement, the confidence that we’re doing on that side of the ball and that we’re growing. It’s exciting to work with. He’s a heck of a competitor.
Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach
Context on Quarterback Progression Across the NFL
While Sam Darnold focuses on mastering Seattle’s offense, other quarterbacks in the league are also showing development grounded in experienced guidance. For example, Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett, entering his third NFL year, has benefited significantly from mentorship by veterans like Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo. Offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur attributed much of Bennett’s improvement to both his own dedication and the support from seasoned teammates.
A ton of growth, particularly from two years ago,
Mike LaFleur, Rams Offensive Coordinator
A lot of credit to him, working on what he needed to work on to get himself into this situation. But a ton of credit that (QBs coach) Dave (Ragone) too and I’ll say even Jimmy and Matthew. I think they’ve done a great job of just putting arm around him, mentoring him. What awesome two quarterbacks to learn from that have won a crap ton of games in this league. Proud would be the wrong word but for lack of a better term, proud of where he’s at and he’s just continuing to go.
Mike LaFleur, Rams Offensive Coordinator
He needs to play just football, right? We’re out here again. We’re out playing flag football in shorts right now but I know this: He’s going about his process in a professional way each and every day to give himself the best chance when he inevitably gets his ops in August in the preseason.
Mike LaFleur, Rams Offensive Coordinator
Building a Strong Offensive Unit Around Darnold
The Seahawks are counting on Darnold not only to command the offense but to inspire the group around him. His knowledge of the playbook, combined with his competitive nature, is fostering a culture of precision and accountability. Veterans like Kupp are excited by Darnold’s approach, particularly how it motivates others to rise to higher standards in practice and games.
This early chemistry and leadership will be crucial as the Seahawks pursue success in the coming season, with the offense expected to improve in both execution and adaptability. Darnold’s progression thus far presents a hopeful outlook for Seattle’s ability to contend in a competitive NFC West division.