The clock is ticking toward the NFC Championship, and the spotlight is burning bright on Sam Darnold.
While the Seattle Seahawks have surged into the title game, ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday isn’t buying the "new" Darnold just yet, especially when the Los Angeles Rams are the opponent.
Speaking on First Take, Saturday issued a stark warning to Seattle about Darnold's struggles against Los Angeles. "This is a big deal. The quarterback can't put you behind and create problems for your team in the playoffs." Saturday emphasized that while Darnold has been efficient, his composure evaporates when Sean McVay’s defense applies pressure.
The stats back up the concern. In two matchups against the Rams this season, Darnold has been forced into a staggering six interceptions. To hide these deficiencies, Seattle has pivoted to an ultra-conservative, run-heavy scheme, leaning on the ground game to keep Darnold out of risky third-and-longs.
More: Why Mike McDaniel just abruptly quit Browns coaching search
"They don't want this to be a shootout with the Rams," Saturday shared. "They want this to be a game they play tight to the vest, be tough, be physical...Seattle needs to be efficient with the run to limit the exposure to the quarterback."
However, the Rams' blueprint to success is clear. Take an early lead and force Darnold out of his comfort zone. If Los Angeles makes this a high scoring back-and-forth, Seattle’s "safe" playcalling goes out the window, and as Saturday suggests, the Seahawks' Super Bowl dreams could vanish with one forced mistake.
More NFL News:
- Rams vs. Seahawks: Why LA is ‘not scared’ to dominate NFC Championship – Peter Schrager
- Sam Darnold can make history: The 2018 draft class and USC milestones within reach
- National Championship fallout: 9 Indiana and Miami stars the Browns must draft
- Myles Garrett makes more NFL history; Browns star sets record 6-year run
- Who's going to the Super Bowl? ESPN NFL insider predicts wild match-up