Sam Darnold is making the most of his opportunity under center - and doing it in style. The Seahawks quarterback has been dealing through three quarters, throwing for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns, the latest a 13-yard strike to Cooper Kupp that pushed Seattle’s lead to 31-20 with just under five minutes left in the third.
That touchdown was more than just another score on the board - it marked a full-circle moment for Kupp, who spent the first eight years of his career with the Rams before making the move north to Seattle this offseason. Now, against his former team, he’s finding the end zone in a pivotal divisional showdown.
Kupp’s regular season numbers - 47 catches, 593 yards, and two touchdowns - might not jump off the page the way they once did during his All-Pro peak, but his connection with Darnold is starting to show some real chemistry. And if this game is any indication, he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
The third quarter has turned into a fireworks show. Seattle has put up two touchdowns in the period, while the Rams have answered with one of their own, keeping the pressure on in what’s shaping up to be a high-scoring affair.
Darnold's second TD of the day came just before halftime - a 14-yard dart to Jaxon Smith-Njigba - and he kept the momentum rolling in the third with a 17-yard touchdown to Jake Bobo, capitalizing on a muffed punt by Xavier Smith that gave Seattle prime field position.
Through three quarters, Darnold is 19-of-27 for 291 yards and three touchdowns - an efficient, poised performance that’s giving the Seahawks exactly what they need in a crucial matchup.
And let’s talk about Smith-Njigba for a second. The second-year wideout is putting together a breakout performance, hauling in nine catches for 139 yards and a touchdown. He’s been Darnold’s go-to guy all afternoon, consistently finding soft spots in the Rams’ secondary and turning short gains into big plays.
With a full quarter still to play, this one’s far from over - but if Darnold and his receivers keep clicking like this, Seattle might just ride this offensive surge all the way to a statement win.