Mike Florio sounds ready to Locktober after Sam Darnold’s pathetic performance vs. Broncos appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
To do away with any hyperbole: Sam Darnold is terrible right now.
The Seattle Seahawks lost to the Denver Broncos in overtime, 17-14, at Empower Field at Mile High on Thursday, dropping to 3-3. Darnold went 27-of-51 for 278 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. He was sacked five times and hit 17 times. He had two carries for 19 yards.
Amid Darnold’s inexplicable slump, there has been a growing clamor for the Seahawks to replace him with Drew Lock. For Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the coaching staff should at least have an honest discussion about it.
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“Obviously, benching Darnold would likely mean the Seahawks would move on in 2027. His $35.5 million in compensation for next year, the last of his contract, isn’t guaranteed. He earns a $10 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the league year in March,” wrote Florio.
“The Seahawks may ultimately decide to ride or die with Darnold for the rest of the season. But they at least need to have the conversation about making a switch, and the possibility of being benched at some point needs to be on the table in order to underscore Darnold’s assessment.”
In two games this season, Lock has thrown 35-of-48 for 422 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He stepped in for Darnold when the latter suffered a glute injury in Week 1.
Many hailed Darnold after the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in February, but it is clear that the residue of their magical run has dissipated, and opponents have figured out the two-time Pro Bowler.
After the loss to the Broncos, coach Mike Macdonald remained even-keeled, stressing that they are capable of finding a solution. Whether that involves replacing Darnold with Lock remains to be seen.
Related: Seahawks most to blame for ugly offense in TNF loss to Broncos