Sam Darnold is the first starting quarterback from the 2018 NFL Draft class to make it to the Super Bowl, having toppled a high-powered LA Rams team last weekend. Despite rough edges to his overall play, the quarterback has been the most successful shot-caller over the last two seasons, and he’s being rewarded for it.
However, some remain unconvinced.
NFL Analyst Chris Broussard Sees Seahawks Star Sam Darnold As a ‘Tier 2’ QB
While many highlight his concerning habit of throwing interceptions, Darnold continuously finds a way to win. This tendency was not only visible in the playoffs but especially notable during the regular season, when he was tasked with going to war in the toughest division in the NFL, the NFC West.
Not only did he put together a winning record, but he also took the division and put the Seattle Seahawks atop the NFC, giving them a first-round bye. However, NFL analyst Chris Broussard has yet to be convinced of Darnold’s long-term value, specifically citing his six interceptions against the Rams this campaign.
“We know [Darnold] was a little reckless early in his career, even in college,” he said on ‘First Things First.’ “But then when he talked about ‘I’m seeing ghosts,’ now you’re questioning his mental toughness… To know ‘Not only am I facing a great team (the Rams), but I have been garbage against them for the most part this season.'”
Over the last two years, the quarterback has been terrific, ranking among the best of the best. His 30-7 record as a starter leads the NFL, his 101.1 QBR ranks seventh, he’s fifth in touchdown passes with 65, and his 8.1 yards per pass ranks third.
However, Broussard admittedly still isn’t convinced of the shot-caller’s mettle.
“I’m not ready to call him elite,” he said. “I think even if he wins the Super Bowl and plays like he just did, to me, he goes into next season as a Tier 2 quarterback.”
Darnold found himself in very efficient offensive systems over the last two years.
His big reset came under Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, an offensive genius, in 2024. Taking over for the injured J.J. McCarthy, the veteran drove Minnesota all the way to the playoffs with a 14-3 record. It wasn’t enough to secure him a place on the roster, though, as he was shown the door.
But Seattle didn’t wait long to pounce, signing the quarterback to a three-year deal.
Darnold put up yet another 14-3 record (with a 78.7 PFSN QB Impact Metric score), and this time, he’s going to the Super Bowl.
Perhaps another star showing might convince Broussard.
