In a thrilling matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, quarterback Sam Darnold’s late-game interception proved costly. His misstep ultimately contributed to a 38-35 defeat for the Seahawks on Sunday.
Critical Late Interception by Darnold
During the final moments of the game, Darnold attempted a pass over the middle, which veered off the helmet of a defender. The ball landed in the hands of Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, resulting in a pivotal interception. Just moments later, Chase McLaughlin sealed the victory for Tampa Bay with a 39-yard field goal as time expired.
Darnold’s Reflection on the Mistake
Following the game, Darnold took full responsibility for the interception. He remarked, “The last turnover, definitely on me.” Despite trying to throw the ball away, he acknowledged his lack of control, noting that the deflection was unexpected. Darnold stated, “At the end of the day, I got to protect the football in that situation.” He highlighted the importance of maintaining possession to avoid giving the opposing team an advantageous field position.
Improving Pre-Snap Decisions
Darnold also reflected on his pre-snap decision-making. He mentioned that he could have adjusted the protection call at the line of scrimmage, potentially avoiding the mistake. “I had a good answer to that side, and I think Tory [Horton] was open as well,” he added, emphasizing his need to improve.
Darnold’s Performance Overview
Despite the late-game blunder, Darnold’s overall performance throughout the game was commendable. He completed 28 of 34 passes for a total of 341 yards, including four touchdowns, alongside the interception. Over five games this season, he has achieved:
- 73.1% completion rate
- 1,246 yards
- Nine touchdowns
- Three interceptions
As the Seahawks regroup and reflect on this narrow defeat, Darnold’s insights into his late-game execution may play a crucial role in his development as a quarterback moving forward.
