New York, November 21, 2025
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has publicly condemned his team’s turnover problems, highlighting the NFC West contender’s NFL-high 20 giveaways through 10 games as a critical issue undermining their playoff aspirations.
The Seahawks currently lead the league with 20 turnovers this season, calling into question their ball security despite ranking sixth in scoring with an average of 26.6 points per game. Darnold’s recent performance was emblematic of this vulnerability; he threw four interceptions during a loss to the Los Angeles Rams that exacerbated concerns over Seattle’s turnover margin, which stands at a troubling minus 0.7 per game.
Turnover Impact and Accountability
After the loss, Darnold described the high turnover rate as “unacceptable,” taking personal responsibility and emphasizing the need for better decision-making. He stressed his intention to improve recognition of defensive coverages and to avoid locking onto single receivers, which has contributed to costly mistakes. The Seahawks’ high frequency of turnovers has proven detrimental in close contests, directly influencing several defeats and threatening their postseason positioning.
Seattle holds a 7-3 record and is second in the NFC West, but their turnover problem remains a significant obstacle to securing a deep playoff run. Analysts have noted that these issues are not solely attributable to Darnold, citing coaching decisions and limited check-down options as contributing factors in pressuring the quarterback into risky throws.
Darnold’s Performance and Team Context
Despite the turnover troubles, Darnold has been a bright spot for the Seahawks. Through 10 games, he has accumulated 2,541 passing yards and helped guide the team to one of the NFL’s stronger starts this season. This juxtaposition of offensive explosiveness and poor ball security is central to understanding Seattle’s uneven results.
Critics have pointed out that turnovers have long shadowed Darnold’s career, and this season’s spike places further strain on his reputation and future with the franchise. Coaches and players alike face urgent pressure to address these flaws as the regular season progresses.
Broader Implications for Seahawks’ Season
Turnovers are widely recognized as a decisive factor in playoff success, where margin for error is minimal. Seattle’s persistent struggle to protect the football elevates the risk of falling short in pivotal moments. The team’s ability to correct these issues will be critical in maintaining their NFC West standing and capitalizing on their offensive strengths.
Upcoming games will test Seattle’s adjustments in ball security and Darnold’s decision-making under pressure. The coaching staff’s responsiveness and depth of play-calling versatility could determine whether the Seahawks’ season advances toward a Super Bowl opportunity or falters due to avoidable mistakes.