S³ | SWEET SCIENCE SPORTS

October 16, 2026 | NFL Analysis

The Seattle Seahawks have a problem, and it isn't necessarily their record.

At 3-3, the defending Super Bowl champions have already matched their entire loss total from last season. What's particularly frustrating is that their three defeats have come by a combined eight points.

Washington: 33-31.
San Francisco: 32-29.
Denver: 17-14 (OT).

Six Sam Darnold interceptions across those three losses.

Seattle could realistically be undefeated right now if its quarterback had taken better care of the football.

That doesn't mean it's time to find his replacement.

DON'T CONFUSE STRUGGLES WITH INABILITY

Darnold helped Seattle win a Super Bowl. That accomplishment deserves recognition, but it doesn't excuse his current performance.

At 29 years old, Darnold is still relatively young for a veteran quarterback. Seattle shouldn't rush into replacing someone who has already demonstrated he can help lead a championship team.

Nevertheless, seven interceptions against seven touchdown passes through six games is unacceptable.

Thursday night's 17-14 overtime loss to Denver was particularly concerning.

Seattle's defense limited the Broncos to just 168 total offensive yards. Darnold threw an interception late in regulation and another in overtime that set up Denver's winning field goal.

The Seahawks didn't need their quarterback to be spectacular. They needed him to protect the football.

THE RUNNING GAME HAS LOST ITS EXPLOSIVENESS

Seattle's offensive issues extend beyond Darnold.

The departure of Kenneth Walker III has left the Seahawks without a proven game-changing threat in their backfield.

Emanuel Wilson and George Holani can contribute, but neither has consistently demonstrated Walker's ability to turn an ordinary rushing attempt into a game-changing play.

Injuries have only compounded the problem.

Zach Charbonnet could potentially return against Kansas City, providing some much-needed assistance. Nevertheless, expecting him to immediately restore Seattle's rushing attack following ACL surgery would be unreasonable.

Without a reliable ground game, too much of Seattle's offensive production depends on Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The Seahawks need balance, not additional desperation throws.

HERE COME THE CHIEFS

Seattle's next opponent makes this matchup particularly interesting.

The Kansas City Chiefs visit Lumen Field on October 25 for Sunday Night Football.

And guess who's coming back to Seattle?

Kenneth Walker III.

Through Kansas City's first four games, Walker has rushed for 537 yards, averaging 6.2 yards per carry with four rushing touchdowns.

That's precisely the type of explosiveness Seattle currently lacks.

The Seahawks will have additional preparation time following Thursday's loss, giving Mike Macdonald and his staff an opportunity to address the offensive problems before facing one of the AFC's strongest teams.

For Darnold, this is an opportunity to respond.

He doesn't need 350 passing yards or four touchdowns. An efficient performance, smart decisions and zero turnovers would go a long way toward restoring confidence.

S³ FINAL ASSESSMENT

Seattle shouldn't panic, but it shouldn't ignore what's happening, either.

Darnold has demonstrated he can help a championship-caliber team win a Super Bowl. Now he must demonstrate the consistency required to sustain that success.

The Seahawks need to rebuild their rushing attack, reduce their offensive mistakes and stop wasting quality defensive performances.

A victory over Kansas City would move Seattle to 4-3 and provide some much-needed momentum.

Another turnover-filled performance could send the defending champions further down the NFC West standings.

Seattle doesn't need a new quarterback right now. It needs its current quarterback to stop giving games away.

Sweet Science Sports | S³ NFL Coverage