Seahawks Survive Colts in Sloppy Week 15 Win: Darnold Steady, Run Game Stalls
Jason Myers was the steady hand Seattle needed. Six field goals, six makes.
In a game where the offense sputtered and the defense bent more than it should have, Myers’ perfect night was the difference. The Seahawks walked away with their 11th win of the season - but they didn’t exactly walk tall.
This was a game Seattle should’ve controlled from the opening whistle. Instead, it turned into a grind.
A 44-year-old Philip Rivers, pulled off the couch and into the Colts’ huddle, looked sharper than expected for most of the night. And for a while, Sam Darnold looked like he was stuck in first gear.
But eventually, the Seahawks' quarterback found a rhythm and helped guide the offense just enough to avoid disaster.
Now, with a short turnaround before facing a surging Rams team that just took down the Lions, Seattle has to clean things up fast. Because while a win is a win, this one left plenty to be desired.
Let’s break down the winners and losers from a messy Week 15 in Indianapolis.
Winner: Sam Darnold, QB
Let’s be clear - Darnold didn’t light up the scoreboard. No touchdowns, no highlight-reel throws. But he also didn’t throw the game away, and in a night where mistakes could’ve been costly, that matters.
Darnold finished with 271 yards and, most importantly, zero interceptions. That’s the kind of clean sheet that keeps you in games, especially when the run game goes missing.
It wasn’t pretty early - the offense barely moved in the first half - but Darnold settled in and started connecting in the second. He didn’t outduel Rivers in terms of flair, but he played the long game and came out ahead.
In a game where blame would’ve landed squarely on his shoulders had they lost, Darnold avoided becoming the scapegoat. That alone earns him a spot in the win column.
Loser: Kenneth Walker III, RB
Walker has been one of Seattle’s most explosive weapons in recent weeks, but that momentum came to a screeching halt against the Colts. Nine carries.
Seventeen yards. That’s it.
An average of just 1.9 yards per attempt.
It wasn’t all on Walker - the offensive line didn’t do him many favors - but the Seahawks needed more from their lead back. Especially in a game where controlling tempo and keeping Rivers on the sideline should’ve been the plan. Instead, the run game never got off the ground, and Walker’s quiet night put extra pressure on Darnold to carry the load.
Loser: Zach Charbonnet, RB
When your starter is struggling, the next man up has to step in and provide a spark. Charbonnet had a chance to do that, and while he looked a bit more efficient than Walker - averaging 3.9 yards per carry - the overall impact just wasn’t there.
Eight touches. Thirty-one yards.
That’s not enough to tilt a game, especially one that stayed close throughout. Charbonnet has shown flashes this season, but this wasn’t one of those games.
Seattle needed a jolt from the backfield, and it never came.
Loser: Patrick O’Connell, LB
A few weeks ago, O’Connell looked like a breakout story in the making. Called up from the practice squad, he made a splash with a standout performance.
But since then? Radio silence.
Yes, the defense has gotten healthier, and yes, O’Connell’s role has naturally shrunk. But he’s been active every week since that big game and hasn’t made much of a dent.
The Seahawks could’ve used some of that early-season energy from him in this one, especially with the Colts finding success in the middle of the field. Instead, O’Connell was a non-factor.
Loser: Los Angeles Rams (by association)
No, the Rams didn’t play in this game. But they had a rooting interest.
A Seahawks loss would’ve given L.A. some breathing room in the NFC West playoff chase. Instead, Seattle kept pace, staying right on the Rams’ heels.
That sets up a crucial showdown later this week, with both teams fighting for postseason positioning. The Rams may have taken care of business against Detroit, but Seattle’s gritty win means the pressure is still on. The division race is alive and well.
Bottom Line: The Seahawks escaped Indy with a win, but they didn’t look like a playoff-ready team doing it. The offense was inconsistent, the run game was non-existent, and the defense gave up more than they should have to a quarterback who hadn’t played in nearly two years. But thanks to Jason Myers and a turnover-free night from Darnold, Seattle survived.
Now comes the real test - a quick turnaround and a date with the Rams. If the Seahawks want to stay in the hunt, they’ll need to clean things up in a hurry.