What happens when a quarterback gets too hot? In a stunning display of gridiron dominance, Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a resounding victory over the Washington Commanders on November 2, 2025. But the story isn't just about the win; it's about the near-perfect performance that came crashing down, thanks to a simple halftime observation.
Before the game, few could have predicted the Seahawks' dominance over the Commanders. But Darnold was on fire!
"Someone at halftime said to me that I hadn't thrown an incompletion," Darnold recounted, playfully blaming the messenger for his eventual first miss. It's a testament to the strange mix of superstition and pressure that can affect even the most seasoned athletes. Darnold's performance was nothing short of exceptional. By the time his first incompletion arrived in the third quarter, he'd already racked up four touchdown passes, solidifying the Seahawks' lead and their eventual 38-14 triumph.
Adding to the Commanders' woes, quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a concerning injury in the fourth quarter. Darnold, showing a touch of empathy, acknowledged Daniels' situation, highlighting the camaraderie that exists even in the heat of competition.
Let's break down Darnold's performance: He completed his first 17 passes, going 16 for 16 in the first half alone, accumulating 282 yards and those four touchdowns against a struggling Washington defense. Rookie Tory Horton snagged the first two touchdown catches, and even practice squad player Cody White got in on the action. The halftime score? A commanding 31-7 in favor of Seattle.
Seattle (6-2) stayed level with the Los Angeles Rams at the top of the NFC West. The Seahawks were missing receiver Cooper Kupp, but Darnold had plenty of open teammates to throw to. Washington (3-6) suffered their fourth consecutive loss.
Darnold's final stats: 21 of 24 for 330 yards before being subbed out late in the game.
The Seahawks wasted no time, taking the lead early in the game with a 4-yard pass from Darnold to Horton. Penalties actually helped them gain over 100 yards on that drive.
A 25-yard touchdown pass to Horton in the second quarter was followed by a fumble on the kickoff, leading to another quick score – a 26-yard pass to Elijah Arroyo. Washington coach Dan Quinn summed up the situation with a candid assessment: "Just an unacceptable performance by us tonight."
White's 60-yard catch-and-run play further extended Seattle's lead, and even though Daniels managed a 1-yard run for Washington, Darnold quickly drove Seattle into field goal range, resulting in a 31-7 halftime score.
Even an interception couldn't derail Darnold's night. Daniels, on the other hand, was under pressure from the start, rushing for 51 yards but only throwing for 153 with an interception.
AJ Barner added to the Seahawks' score with a touchdown, making it 38-7. Chris Rodriguez scored for Washington immediately after Daniels' injury.
But here's where it gets controversial...Darnold joined an elite club, becoming only the fourth quarterback since 1991 to throw four touchdown passes before his first incompletion. The others? Lamar Jackson in 2019, Ryan Tannehill in 2015, and Tom Brady in 2007, according to Sportradar.
"Believe me when I say it: I'm not surprised," Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said. "We watch Sam every day and how he operates. He's the same guy every day, which is what you love about him. We're chasing it. The guys are determined, and it's fun to watch.”
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was a key player for the Seahawks, catching eight passes for 129 yards. He tied Steve Largent's franchise record with his sixth 100-yard receiving game of the season.
And this is the part most people miss...During halftime, the Commanders honored Hall of Fame receiver Art Monk by retiring his No. 81. Monk, who played for Washington from 1980-93, held the NFL's all-time receptions record at one point. He retired with 940 receptions.
Injuries also played a role. The Seahawks saw CB Josh Jobe (concussion) and LB Ernest Jones IV (knee) leave the game. The Commanders were without WR Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and lost WR Luke McCaffrey (shoulder) early on. CB Trey Amos (hip), CB Marshon Lattimore (knee), and S Quan Martin (hamstring) were also injured, with Daniels' injury being the most significant.
Looking ahead: Seattle will host Arizona next Sunday, having previously beaten the Cardinals 23-20 in September. The Commanders will face Detroit next Sunday, a rematch of last season's playoff victory for Washington.
What do you think? Did Darnold's near-perfect performance show the true potential of the Seahawks? Do you think the injury to Jayden Daniels will impact the Commanders' season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
