Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold reflected on his final two games with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 season, acknowledging difficulties that included taking multiple sacks in lopsided losses. Speaking during a press conference, Darnold explained that he had anticipated questions about those performances and accepted the critique as fair. He emphasized that improving his ability to release the ball quickly has become a focal point in his preparation.
“I was waiting for someone to bring that up,”
Darnold said, via Brady Henderson of ESPN.
“I appreciate that. No, it’s fair, man…I think being able to get the ball out a little bit quicker … and even if a guy is covered, even if my back’s covered on a checkdown, just throwing it at his feet. I feel like I was taking some unnecessary sacks last year, especially those last few games.”
New Coaching and Team Additions Fuel Seahawks’ Optimism
The Seahawks have set the stage for Darnold’s growth under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who has assumed playcalling duties. The team also bolstered its offensive line by selecting left guard Grey Zabel with the 18th overall pick in the draft, aiming to provide better protection and open up opportunities for Darnold to make plays.
“I’ll definitely be thinking about that,”
Darnold added regarding his past challenges.
“Keeping two hands on the ball in the pocket at all times. Just doing all the little fundamental things, but that’s a big one, is being able to just get the ball out on time. That’s a balance of playing quarterback. I think that’s sometimes the hardest part about it is understanding, ‘OK, do I give this enough time to develop, and it might be open? Or do I just check it down because the rush might be coming?’ That’s always kind of the dichotomy of playing quarterback in general. That’s the fun part about our job is we get to make decisions like that.”
Other NFL Quarterbacks Share Insights on Growth and Team Commitment
While Darnold focuses on refining his game, other quarterbacks in the league are also emphasizing steady development and dedication to their teams. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones recently remarked on the impact that experienced coaching has had on his career and expressed readiness to contribute whenever needed.
“Just continue to grow as a player and a person and a teammate,”
Jones said, via NBC Sports.
“I know it’s going to take care of itself, the way I work. And they’ve rubbed off on me, too. So, I’m working hard. They’re working hard, and my goal is to be ready to play when I have to go in, and that’s all you can ask for.”
Cardinals’ Budda Baker Emphasizes Dedication and Optimism for the Future
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker expressed his personal commitment to performing at a high level despite the team facing more losses than wins during his tenure. He remains confident in the current coaching staff and the new players acquired through free agency and the draft. Baker also highlighted rising expectations for quarterback Kyler Murray, praising his versatility and underrated skills.
I was drafted here, I know it was a different GM and a different coaching staff, but for me, all I’ve been trying to do is do my job at a high level each and every day,
Baker shared on The Mina Kimes Show.
Of course, I’m a sore loser, I hate losing, and my career with the Cardinals has kind of been more losing than winning. But for me, it’s just stay ten toes down, you believe in what you believe in, and I believe in this coaching staff, I believe in these players that we brought in, free agency, draft, and very excited for the future.
We haven’t had a lot of national games, and people kind of see him as a ‘shirt’ guy, but this guy can make all the throws inside the pocket, outside the pocket, and he’s quick,
Baker continued about Murray.
You see it on tape, he’s outrunning everybody all the time. … It’s definitely exciting, but it’s cool to just lay under the weeds and have him be that underrated guy, just kind of show who he is this year and throughout the whole season.
Significance of Darnold’s Focus for 2024 and Seahawks’ Outlook
Sam Darnold’s acknowledgment of his past struggles with sacks and quick decision-making signals a determined effort to raise his performance in the 2024 season. With the support of Klint Kubiak’s new offensive strategies and improved offensive line protection led by rookie Grey Zabel, Darnold has the environment needed to enhance his gameplay. His focus on fundamental skills and balanced decision-making under pressure will be critical as the Seahawks aim to improve their competitiveness.
This commitment to growth mirrors a league-wide attitude, as evidenced by peers like Mac Jones and Budda Baker, who emphasize continual development and team belief. For the Seahawks and Darnold, the upcoming season offers a fresh opportunity to capitalize on these adjustments and demonstrate their progress on the field.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sam Darnold sober?
A. He managed to beat his alcohol addiction, which started with him trying a martini at his parents’ house when he was 12. In 1980, he decided to focus his life on assisting teenagers in recovery. For many years, he has been helping troubled teens in Orange County, California. He proudly shares, “I haven’t touched alcohol or drugs in 38 years.”
Q. Why was Sam Darnold seeing ghosts?
A. Darnold mentioned, “We often joked, ‘They’re seeing ghosts out there.’ So, during a game where we were losing 40-0, I told my coach the same thing. I was frustrated, unsure what to say, and it ended up being caught on live TV.”
Q. What disease did Sam Darnold get?
A. Darnold appeared on ESPN’s The Michael Kay Show for his regular segment. He was questioned about how he got mono, often referred to as “the kissing disease.” Chuckling, Darnold replied, “I’m not sure, guys. It’s a tricky illness that can remain in your system for months without affecting you initially.”
Q. What disease did Sam Darnold have?
A. When it came to the details of Sam Darnold’s surprising mononucleosis diagnosis, Gase wasn’t very informative. He was unsure how Darnold contracted it. He also didn’t know the timeline of when Darnold got it or when he might return.