Sam Darnold Shines in Seahawks Debut

Football Nation
Aug 20
3 min read

Sam Darnold Shines in Seahawks Debut as Seattle Tops Chiefs in Preseason

Sam Darnold made an impressive first outing for the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field, helping the team secure a 33-16 preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night. In his highly anticipated debut for Seattle, Darnold completed all four of his pass attempts for 34 yards during the opening series, effectively utilizing both his mobility and tight ends to move the offense.

Darnold, who joined the Seahawks on a three-year, $100.5 million contract in the offseason, demonstrated poise in the pocket and accuracy on the move, connecting with tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo on short routes and finding fullback Robbie Ouzts and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for longer gains. "It was a great feeling to get out there in front of the home crowd," Darnold remarked, praising the energy inside Lumen Field despite rainy conditions.

Backup quarterback Drew Lock followed Darnold with a strong showing of his own, completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Jake Bobo. Head coach Mike Macdonald praised Bobo, citing his aggressive play style and reliability on the field.

Seattle’s ground game, a focus following a subpar 2024 season, was on full display. The team amassed an impressive 268 rushing yards on 48 carries, with both Zach Charbonnet and Damien Martinez contributing rushing touchdowns in the first and third quarters, respectively. Five different Seahawks rushers recorded at least 30 yards, showing depth and determination among the backs. Macdonald noted, "Every back tonight attacked the run hard and finished plays with intensity."

Kansas City opted to rest several key starters, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew connected with Robert Tonyan for a 1-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. The Chiefs' only other touchdown came from a fourth-quarter punt return by wide receiver Skyy Moore, as Seattle’s defense largely stifled Kansas City’s reserve offense in the second half.

The Seahawks, now without Noah Fant who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, continue to evaluate the tight end position. Both Arroyo and Barner made positive contributions despite the slippery conditions, combining for three receptions and 24 yards. Barner brings veteran experience from last season, while Arroyo, the team’s second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has shown promise throughout the preseason.

Seattle will travel to face the Green Bay Packers on August 23, while Kansas City prepares to host the Chicago Bears on August 22.

Final Score: Seattle Seahawks 33, Kansas City Chiefs 16

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