The Seattle Seahawks pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in recent NFL memory on Thursday Night Football to open Week 16 of the 2025 campaign. Facing a 16-point deficit against the Los Angeles Rams with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, Seattle rallied to force overtime, before eventually winning the game 38-37 on a walk-off two-point conversion.
It was quite a roller-coaster ride for the Seahawks and their fans, as quarterback Sam Darnold got off to a very slow start before coming alive when his team needed him the most. Seattle now controls its fate when it comes to winning the NFC West division, and after the game, head coach Mike Macdonald was effusive in his praise for Darnold.
Mike Macdonald Gushes Over Sam Darnold After Latest Heroics
For much of this game, the Rams were in complete control over the Seahawks. That was due in large part to a lackluster showing from Darnold, who threw a pair of costly interceptions to increase his tally to six in the team’s two contests against Los Angeles. One of those picks set up an easy touchdown for L.A., while the other came in the red zone, preventing Seattle from putting points on the board.
A 58-yard punt return touchdown from Rashid Shaheed helped wake up the Seahawks’ offense, and after forcing a quick three-and-out, Darnold promptly led Seattle straight down the field on a game-tying touchdown drive that culminated with a 26-yard pass to AJ Barner. Los Angeles opened overtime with a touchdown, but Darnold responded again, finding Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a four-yard score before hitting Eric Saubert for the game-winning two-point conversion.
It wasn’t the cleanest outing from Darnold (22/34, 270 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT), but he managed to brush aside the notion that he can’t win big games for his team. While folks’ confidence in Darnold has wavered throughout the year, that hasn’t been the case inside the Seahawks’ building, as Macdonald confidently stood behind his quarterback after his standout performance.
“He’s the same guy every day, no matter the circumstance,” Macdonald said of Darnold. “He’s an ultimate competitor, he’s a phenomenal leader, and he just keeps fighting, just keeps plugging away. We weren’t worried about (him) one bit. That’s Sam.”
Seahawks Take Control of NFC West Division with Huge Win vs. Rams
GettySeattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald
Not only did Darnold dispute the notion that he can’t deliver when the lights are at their brightest, but this win is incredibly important when it comes to the NFC West standings. With this victory, Seattle has reclaimed the top spot in the division, and if they win out, they will be the No. 1 seed in the NFC when the playoffs get underway.
That’s going to be easier said than done, but after taking down Los Angeles, who many folks believe are the top team in the league, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for the Seahawks. Darnold and company will look to keep the good times rolling in Week 17, as they will take on the Carolina Panthers when they return to action.
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