The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are squaring off in the NFC Championship this coming weekend, and a key topic in this matchup revolves around Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. The Rams are rolling into this matchup with momentum from two playoff wins, and while the Seahawks ran the San Francisco 49ers out of town this past weekend, concerns loom regarding Darnold’s turnovers.
One former player had a blunt take on the situation.
Why Does One Ex-NFL LB Think Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Could Cost Them NFC Title?
The Rams and Seahawks split their regular-season games 1-1. Both teams defended their home soil, with LA winning the first 21-19 and Seattle winning the second 38-37.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was solid in both games, totaling 587 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and no interceptions. Darnold, meanwhile, recorded 549 yards, 2 scores, and 6 picks.
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho highlighted the Seahawks quarterback’s concerning stat line as a key factor in the game’s outcome during his podcast, “Speakeasy.”
“Rams-Seahawks — they played each other twice this season,” Acho said. “Matthew Stafford has five touchdowns, no interceptions. Sam Darnold has 2 touchdowns, 6 interceptions. Let that sink in. It’s not a conversation. The game of football is all about the football… If Sam Darnold goes out there and starts throwing picks, it’s going to be blouses before it gets started.”
“If Sam Darnold goes out there and starts throwing picks, it’s going to be blouses before it gets started”
– @EmmanuelAcho says he trusts the Rams more to win the NFC Championship because Darnold can’t be trusted
WE ARE LIVE PREVIEWING THE GAME HERE ➡️ https://t.co/f4H3dQB55c pic.twitter.com/gfXK9Qfo5B
— Speakeasy (@speakeasytlkshw) January 19, 2026
The Seahawks are playing with high levels of energy this season, especially on defense. Their safety play is on point, making it hard for offenses to go deep. But the Rams hold a unique edge of their own.
“The other thing is, this Rams defensive front can match the energy of the Seahawks,” Acho added. “The Seahawks right now are playing with energy, right? Emmanwori — he’s playing with energy — Julian Love — he’s playing with energy — Witherspoon — energy.”
Acho, however, underscored LA’s talent on defense. Jared Verse has been haunting opposition backfields this season, and the unit has firmly locked down the tackle box.
“Jared Verse, Poona Ford, Young — them cats are gonna come out with energy,” he continued. “Puka Nacua — getting in the weight room. He’s gonna come out there and play with energy. The Rams ain’t no punks. So, as I see it, the Rams have to get the early edge.”
The Rams‘ offense isn’t anything to sneeze at, either, with head coach Sean McVay sporting the No. 1 scoring offense in the league. With Stafford running a tight ship on the attacking front, LA averaged 30.5 points per game.
It’ll be an intriguing championship tilt to decide the NFC’s Super Bowl representative.
