1. How does Sam Darnold look in his Seahawks debut?
There are plenty of newcomers on Seattle's roster, particularly on a new-look offense led by offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, but no one player will be under a bright spotlight more than quarterback Sam Darnold. Fair or not, that's just the nature of the position Darnold plays, but coming off a Pro-Bowl season with the Vikings last season, Darnold is focused more on just making sure he takes care of his job on Sunday than he is any outside pressure that comes with the position.
"I think just the opportunity that I get to be able to play in front of these fans, finally, as our fans," Darnold said. "I feel like I've been coming here the last few years, and it's nice to have them on my side now, and it's incredible. I know the energy that the 12s are going to bring out there on the field, and we're really looking forward to playing in front of those fans. But I don't put much pressure on myself. To answer your question, I think at the end of the day, I prepare so much throughout the week to just go out there and let it rip, have fun, be loose, and be myself."
Darnold, of course, is taking over the starting quarterback job with the Seahawks, having signed as a free agent after one standout season in Minnesota. His first start also happens to be against the team with which he spent the 2023 season, honing his craft as the 49ers' backup quarterback and help setting the stage for his breakout 2024 season with the Vikings.
"I think the biggest thing is that I've always understood what that time meant for me not only as a person, but as a player as well," he said. "I always really enjoyed my time in San Francisco, but being here now in Seattle, I'm excited to have that opportunity to go against them. It's a really good organization, great players, and great coaching staff over there. So, I'm just excited for the opportunity."
Darnold won't be asked to do everything for the Seahawks—they are fully expecting to have one of the league's best defenses, not to mention a strong running game—but quarterback play is always key to a team's success, and the Seahawks are excited about what Darnold has shown since arriving this spring.
"He's very cool, calm, and collected," receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said. "He's got some juice though. He's one of the guys, so people listen when he talks. He's a leader that you'd love to have at that position… He's got some shit to him. Happy we got him."