Ryan Clark’s optimism about Sam Darnold’s playoff potential with the Seattle Seahawks was met with skepticism from many pundits who anticipated his failure in the postseason. After an impressive regular season, doubts lingered about whether Darnold could deliver in the crucial Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers, particularly after suffering an oblique strain in practice just days before the game. Critics speculated that not only would Darnold underperform, but the injury could serve as an excuse for any potential loss.
Strangely, commentators seemed to shift positions, asserting that if Darnold struggled resulting in turnovers, it would seal Seattle’s fate, while simultaneously claiming that if he couldn’t play due to his injury, the Seahawks stood no chance against the 49ers with backup quarterback Drew Lock taking over.
The dynamic played out differently in the game itself. Both Darnold and Lock saw field time, but their involvement didn’t stem from any negative circumstances. Darnold, tasked with being efficient rather than spectacular, completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown without a single turnover. Lock entered the game in the fourth quarter with Seattle holding a commanding 41-6 lead, primarily tasked with running down the clock rather than changing the course of the game.
Ultimately, the remarkable victory wasn’t about the quarterbacks; it was driven by the Seattle Seahawks’ robust defense, stellar special teams play from kick returner Rashid Shaheed, and a standout performance from running back Kenneth Walker. Walker rushed for three touchdowns on 116 yards, showcasing a powerful, classic running game.
With the Seahawks performing decisively, fans can look forward to Drew Lock continuing to contribute in future playoff matches, ideally in a supportive role where he can hand the ball off and manage victories with a strong defense backing him up. This hopeful trajectory reflects the potential for Seattle to build on their momentum and advance further in the playoffs.