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NFL·ANALYSIS·October 16, 2026 07:40 PM ET

First Things First questions Sam Darnold after two late picks in Seattle loss

He shares the NFL interception lead across four full games.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 1h2 min read
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What happened: On First Things First, the hosts expressed official concern over Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold after he threw two late interceptions in a loss to the Denver Broncos. One host noted Darnold threw a pick in field-goal range down three with 90 seconds left in regulation before throwing another interception in overtime. Despite backup Drew Lock posting better statistical numbers, the panel agreed Seattle should keep starting Darnold after last season's Super Bowl run.

Why it matters: The hosts argued that losing offensive coordinator Clint Kubiak and an ineffective rushing attack have exposed Darnold, who threw just 70 second-half passes while trailing all of last year. The panel also questioned Seattle's roster allocation, suggesting that paying Rashid Shaheed $17 million annually instead of retaining a $14 million running back altered the conference balance of power. With the defending champions sitting at 3-3, the hosts put both the Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams on the board as candidates to miss the NFC playoffs.

By the numbers: The hosts also cited Darnold's earlier career totals of 45 touchdowns to 39 interceptions with the New York Jets and 16 touchdowns to 16 interceptions with the Carolina Panthers.

What to watch: Seattle enters a mini-bye before hosting the Kansas City Chiefs, followed by a matchup against the Chicago Bears.

Sources

  • First Things First 
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NFLAnalysisSeattle SeahawksDenver BroncosLos Angeles RamsSam DarnoldDrew Lock
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