Sam Darnold was perfect in the first half of Sunday’s 38-14 win over the Washington Commanders. The Seahawks’ signal caller had 16 completions on 16 pass attempts in the first two quarters, throwing for 282 yards and four touchdowns, while recording a 158.3 passer rating. He also tied the franchise record with 17 consecutive completions. Yet, this performance wasn’t enough to win NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
“Have a historic game on prime time in a season where you’ve been the best player statistically at the most important position in sports, but reside in Seattle and have the last name Darnold, so no award for you!” Seahawks insider Brian Nemhauser tweeted.
Of course, awards aren’t given for single halves, but Darnold’s final stat line remained impressive: 21 for 24 with 330 passing yards and those four passing touchdowns. He did throw an interception but finished with a QBR of 97.8 and a passer rating of 141.0.
Who Won the Award?
Colston Loveland was the player who snatched the award from Darnold. The Bears’ rookie tight end had an outstanding game, the best of his career so far. Loveland had six receptions for 118 yards and two touchdowns–the last of which was the game-winner in Chicago’s dramatic 47-42 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
“The first-round pick scored his first two NFL touchdowns, including a spectacular game-winning 58-yard reception from Caleb Williams with just :17 remaining that enabled the Bears to erase a 42-41 deficit,” Larry Mayer, a senior writer for the Bears, wrote.
However, if you watched both games, Darnold’s performance stands out as more impactful from start to finish. He was in total control of Seattle’s offense, which is currently the fifth-highest scoring unit in the league.
Darnold’s Consolation Prize
While Darnold didn’t win the NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award, he was named the FedEx Air Player of the Week for the second time this season. He faced stiff competition, with fellow nominees that included Josh Allen, Matthew Stafford, Drake London, and Brock Bowers. London and Bowers each had three receiving touchdowns, while Allen had yet another game with a passing touchdown and a rushing touchdown. Carolina Panthers’ running back Rico Dowdle was the FedEx Ground Player of the Week, tallying 141 scrimmage yards.
“Believe me when I say, I’m not surprised,” head coach Mike MacDonald said about Darnold’s performance. “We watched Sam every day on how he operates, and he’s the same guy every day, which is what you love about him. And we’re chasing it. The guys are determined, and it’s fun to watch. And when the team comes together, that’s this type of stuff that you can do when you play the right way, you prepare the right way. And our coaches deserve a lot of credit too, man. I thought [Offensive Coordinator] Klint [Kubiak] called a great game. All the coaches involved in the game plan process, I thought we had some great answers, and it all came together.”
Darnold’s next chance to win NFC Offensive Player of the Week is this Sunday against the division-rival (and newly revived) Arizona Cardinals.
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