The Seattle Seahawks have reached the point where quarterback Sam Darnold’s starting job deserves a real evaluation. After Darnold threw interceptions in the fourth quarter and overtime in the Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos, Locked On Seahawks co-host Rob Rang said the team should open a competition with backup quarterback Drew Lock rather than maintain the status quo ahead of a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Locked On Seahawks host Dan Viens said the frequency and nature of Darnold’s turnovers have made it harder to explain them away as isolated mistakes. Rang put the sharper criticism on Darnold’s poise and anticipation, pointing to the overtime interception as a throw Seattle could not afford in a situation where taking a sack would have kept the game alive.
Rang did not argue for an automatic benching. He said Darnold should retain the edge if the practice competition is even, but Lock should receive a legitimate opportunity to push for the job. Lock’s ability to play more freely in earlier action, Viens argued, stands in contrast to Darnold double-clutching and appearing affected by pressure.
The quarterback issue also cannot be separated from the offense around Darnold. Viens said Seattle allowed 17 hits and five sacks in Denver, while Rang cited inconsistent pass protection, an ineffective running game and receivers failing to create timely outlets. Those problems help explain some of the difficult situations Darnold faced, but neither host viewed them as an excuse for his interceptions.
That distinction leaves Mike Macdonald with a difficult task during the extended break: Improve an offense that has put its quarterback under constant duress while deciding whether Darnold gives the Seahawks their best immediate chance to reverse a two-game skid. Kansas City offers little margin for another turnover-heavy performance, and an open competition would make clear that Seattle is demanding better execution at its most important position.
Seahawks News and Notes
– Rang questioned Seattle’s backfield deployment after running back Robert Henry Jr. was inactive while George Holani struggled at times in pass protection. He said the staff needs to decide whether Henry or Zach Charbonnet, if available, can provide a more useful change of pace.
– Macdonald said the Seahawks will use the extra days to investigate the offensive line’s recurring protection breakdowns. Rang urged the staff to simplify the running game and end the rotation at right guard by committing to Christian Haynes over Beau Stephens.
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