Sam Darnold achieves perfect first-half passing record as Seattle Seahawks crush Washington Commanders in high-stakes primetime game

NFL fans witnessed something extraordinary on Sunday night as Sam Darnold put on a show that had Seattle Seahawks supporters buzzing.

The Seahawks demolished the Washington Commanders 38-14, with Darnold delivering one of the most flawless first-half performances in recent memory.

Fans and analysts alike are already debating whether he’s the front-runner for this season’s MVP.

From Struggles to Stardom

The 28-year-old quarterback, once a high-profile No. 3 overall pick, had a rocky start to his NFL journey with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers.

But he’s turned things around with the Minnesota Vikings, and his 2024 season caught Seattle’s attention.

This summer, the Seahawks rewarded Darnold with a three-year, $100.5 million contract, and he’s justified every penny.

Now, entering Sunday’s primetime clash in the nation’s capital, Darnold had already led Seattle to a strong 5-2 start, setting the stage for what would become a historic performance.

A Perfect First Half

Darnold was nothing short of sensational. Completing all 15 of his passes in the first half for 256 yards and throwing four touchdowns, he left the Commanders’ defense reeling.

Tory Horton snagged two of those scores, while Cody White and Elijah Arroyo each grabbed one.

Social media erupted in praise, with fans calling Darnold the NFL MVP in real-time.

One viewer exclaimed, “We might have just seen the greatest first half by any quarterback in NFL history by Sam Darnold.”

Others lamented the Minnesota Vikings letting him walk and compared his mastery to legends like Drew Brees.

A Minor Setback Doesn’t Stop the Show

The first blemish on Darnold’s night came in the third quarter with an interception by Mike Sainristil, ending a streak of 17 straight completions, tying a franchise record.

Undeterred, Darnold continued to command the field, orchestrating drives that extended Seattle’s lead to 38-7, with tight end AJ Barner powering into the end zone for a touchdown.

Darnold finished with 330 passing yards before being pulled midway through the fourth quarter, a prudent move after the Seahawks had secured a decisive lead.

Tragedy Strikes for Jayden Daniels

While Darnold shined, Washington’s quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a terrifying elbow injury.

During a rushing attempt toward the end zone, Daniels was tackled by Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas.

Trying to break his fall, he landed awkwardly on his left arm, resulting in what appeared to be a serious injury.

Teammates and medics rushed to his aid as Daniels received immediate treatment on the field.

Thankfully, the injury didn’t affect his throwing arm, and he was able to walk off before heading to the locker room for further evaluation.

Fans and Analysts React

The injury overshadowed what could have been a memorable moment for Daniels and the Commanders.

Meanwhile, fans praised Darnold’s performance as one of the most dominant in recent memory, speculating about his MVP credentials and Seattle’s Super Bowl potential with him at the helm.