There was a time when no one thought Sam Darnold could lead a team to the Super Bowl as a starter, and the quarterback isn’t happy with the way he played in the Seattle Seahawks‘ 29-13 win over the New England Patriots in February.
Darnold, the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft by the New York Jets, lasted just three seasons in New York before he was traded to the Carolina Panthers. Darnold was placed in the “bust” category amid stops with the Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, but he turned around his career by having a stellar season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Darnold led Seattle to a Super Bowl victory in his first year with the team. He threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions during the regular season. In the Super Bowl, Darnold had a quiet night, going 19 of 38 passing for 202 yards and one touchdown.
During an interview on Barstool Sports’ “Bussin With the Boys Podcast” on Tuesday, Darnold admitted he was “bummed” with the way he played against the Patriots.
“I didn’t play great in the Super Bowl,” Darnold said, via a transcription from NFL Media. “I missed way too many throws. We still won. Our defense balled out. I didn’t turn the ball over, which helped.
“But dude, to win the Super Bowl that way, I was kinda bummed. I want(ed) to score 40 points, you know what I mean? I want to go out there and ball out, and it’s just, dang, I didn’t play my best football in the Super Bowl? That sucks.”
The Seahawks won the Super Bowl thanks to a tried-and-true formula: a strong running game combined with a stout defense. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III rushed 27 times for 135 yards. The defense created six sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Darnold could have had a better night if Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez hadn’t made a few plays to stop what would have been touchdown passes from the former USC quarterback. The Seahawks were wise to rely on the running game.
Darnold, 29, wants to work on limiting turnovers in the upcoming season. He’s thrown double-digit interceptions in every season he’s been a team’s QB1.
Despite his performance in February, Darnold should have confidence to get better after winning the Super Bowl.