Sam Darnold Impresses in Seahawks Preseason Debut, Victory Over Chiefs

By Jason Bolton August 19, 2025 07:43

In his first preseason game appearance for the Seattle Seahawks, quarterback Sam Darnold showed signs of why the Seahawks invested a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract in him during the offseason. Friday night at Lumen Field, Darnold was sharp and poised, leading the Seahawks to a convincing 33-16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in a game where he garnered all the attention during his brief but impactful outing.

Darnold's preseason debut was brief but flawless. He completed all four of his passing attempts for 34 yards during the Seahawks’ opening drive, which culminated in a touchdown run by running back Zach Charbonnet. Darnold’s passes were precise, distributing the ball to multiple targets including tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo, fullback Robbie Ouzts, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. His ability to move both left and right out of the pocket was evident, demonstrating the mobility Seattle’s coaching staff hopes to maximize in the regular season.

Head coach Mike Macdonald lauded Darnold’s composure and situational awareness on the field. “The way Sam moved in the pocket, kept his eyes downfield, and executed the offense with precision was exactly what we wanted to see,” Macdonald said postgame. “He managed the game beautifully, mixed in some quick throws, and delivered when it counted. It’s just a snapshot of the work he’s been doing in practice.” The coach also emphasized the team’s commitment to the run game, as Seahawks running backs combined for 268 yards on 48 carries against a stout Chiefs defense missing several starters.

Backup quarterback Drew Lock showcased his own talents after Darnold’s series, completing 10 of 12 passes for 129 yards and throwing two touchdown passes to wide receiver Jake Bobo. Lock’s solid performance underscores the depth Seattle hopes to maintain at the quarterback position. Rookie Jalen Milroe also saw late-game snaps, showing his mobility and touch, a conservative step toward ensuring all QBs get valuable reps this preseason.

The Seahawks’ ground dominance was a narrative-defining theme on Friday. Seattle racked up 174 rushing yards in the first half alone, pounding the ball effectively behind a revitalized offensive line. Zach Charbonnet finished with 45 yards on five carries all on the opening drive, while Damien Martinez contributed 50 yards on 11 attempts. The commitment to the run set the tone early, enabling Darnold and the passing attack to operate with less pressure.

Weather conditions rain and 89% humidity were challenging, yet the Seahawks handled the elements with poise, running a vintage ground-and-pound offense complemented by effective play-action passes. This balance reflects offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s strategic intent to exploit defenses through versatile attack modes.

For Darnold, this preseason debut is a pivotal moment in his Seahawks career. After missing Seattle’s preseason opener, questions lingered about timing and readiness. His flawless performance on the field will ease concerns and build confidence among teammates, coaches, and fans as Seattle prepares for the regular season opener against the Green Bay Packers.

In summary, Sam Darnold’s poised, efficient showing in his Seahawks preseason debut was an encouraging sign for a team looking to rebound and contend in the NFC West. Backed by a strong running game and reliable backups, Seattle sent a message Friday night: their offense could be a dynamic, multifaceted threat in 2025, led by a quarterback ready to shine under the big lights.