Sam Darnold Nears Super Bowl Win, Surpassing 2018 Draft Peers
Sam Darnold is on the brink of a Super Bowl victory, a milestone he has reached ahead of fellow 2018 Draft quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. After an arduous journey that spanned five teams and eight seasons, Darnold has finally found his stride.
Impressive Performance in the NFC Championship
Leading the Seattle Seahawks, Darnold secured a remarkable 14-3 record this season, clinching the division title and the top seed in the playoffs. In a tightly contested NFC Championship game, he threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns, guiding the Seahawks to a 31-27 win against the Los Angeles Rams, despite battling an oblique injury.
Coaching Praise and Redemption
Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald expressed pride in Darnold’s achievements, stating, “He just shut a lot of people up.” This performance is pivotal for a player once labeled a bust early in his career. Now, he stands one victory away from hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Comparative Success Among 2018 Quarterbacks
Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, chosen by the New York Jets. The draft saw Baker Mayfield go first to the Cleveland Browns, while Allen was selected by the Buffalo Bills at No. 7. Josh Rosen was picked 10th by the Arizona Cardinals, and Lamar Jackson rounded out the first round at No. 32 with the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s a summary of their NFL journeys:
- Baker Mayfield: Led the Browns to a playoff victory but now plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Josh Allen: Currently the reigning MVP; faced two playoff defeats against the Chiefs.
- Lamar Jackson: Has won two NFL MVP awards but has struggled in the playoffs.
- Josh Rosen: After a disappointing start, he is currently out of the league.
The Importance of Coaching
Darnold’s success emphasizes the crucial role of coaching in a quarterback’s career. Throughout his tenure with the Jets, he contended with poor coaching choices, including Todd Bowles and Adam Gase, leading to a dismal passer rating of 78.2. His performance improved markedly after joining the San Francisco 49ers, where he backed up Brock Purdy under Kyle Shanahan’s guidance.
Record-Setting Achievements
After thriving with the Minnesota Vikings, where he tallied 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, Darnold became the first quarterback in NFL history to lead two teams to 14 wins in consecutive seasons. The Seahawks rewarded him with a three-year, $100.5 million contract, illustrating their faith in his abilities.
Acknowledgment of Growth
Reflecting on his evolution, Darnold recalled previous struggles, including a moment when he famously said he was “seeing ghosts” during a game against the Patriots. He remains focused on continuous improvement, stating the importance of growth in the game.
As the Seahawks prepare for the Super Bowl, Darnold’s journey serves as a testament to perseverance, reflection, and the impact of strong coaching. With a promising future ahead, fans are eager to see if he can lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy and etch his name in NFL history.
