Seahawks say they aren't benching quarterback Sam Darnold

SEATTLE — Despite Sam Darnold’s recent issues with turnovers that have been a key reason for the Seahawks losing three of its last four games, coach Mike Macdonald said Friday morning he is not considering a quarterback change.

Asked on his weekly postgame radio show on Seattle Sports 710 if he would consider a change, Macdonald said “no, no.”

Macdonald reiterated that when he spoke to media during his regular day-after game news conference.

“We have a lot of faith in Sam,” Macdonald said. “Sam has played great football for us. He’s done a lot of great things this year. He’s obviously turned the ball over more than we want to. There are things on our end that can help him play better football and he’s part of the solution rather than the opposite.”

Darnold has thrown seven interceptions in the last four games, including two late in Thursday night’s 17-14 loss to Denver. One came in overtime and led to in the Broncos’ game-winning 53-yard field goal by Wil Lutz.

Macdonald said the recent struggles don’t mean the team can overlook what Darnold has done since he arrived before the 2025 season, including leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title.

“We won a world championship with him,” Macdonald said. “We believe in the guy. We see him every day, we see what he does. We see the plays that he’s been able to make. We see the talent. All those things. That’s where my mind is.”

While Darnold has already thrown half as many interceptions in the last four games as he threw all of last season — 14 in 17 games — Macdonald said he thinks the turnover problems the Seahawks are experiencing are a team-wide issue. The Seahawks have also lost five fumbles.

“There are things that we can all do to help Sam play better football,” Macdonald said. “We trust Sam, we believe in him. We feel like he’s definitely part of the solution in terms of us playing better football on offense and at quarterback.”

Darnold missed most of the 13-10 season-opening win over New England after suffering a glute injury on the first series as well as a 31-7 win in Week 2 at Arizona. Drew Lock filled in and did not throw an interception while tossing four touchdowns and completing 72.9% of his passes.

While Macdonald praised Lock, he said comparing their performances this season may not be taking into account the whole picture.

“To make it a one for one and say, ‘This one’s the same and this one’s different and it’s one person,’ I don’t think that’s doing the whole thing justice,” Macdonald said. “I think there’s definitely more to the equation. What we called and how we got to it and that sort of thing. Maybe the process for Drew, how we catered the game to his skill set and all those things are part of the conversation as well. I understand the question, but I think there’s more to it than just one quarterback.”

Darnold accepted blame for his interceptions Thursday night when he broke the huddle in the locker room afterward. He was harsh on himself when he spoke to media saying, “I just think it’s ‘BS,’ you know, for me to keep turning the ball over. It’s not fair to our defense, not fair to our special teams’ group, not fair really to the entire team. So I have to be better that way.”

Darnold also accepted some blame for taking five sacks for consecutive weeks saying, “I think I could do a better job of getting the ball out.”

Friday, Macdonald said he was “glad” Darnold took ownership of the interceptions and offensive performance.

“He’s the leader of our offense,” Macdonald said. “If it’s not where you want it to be, then it’s the leader’s job to take responsibility — just as I stand before you today saying, ‘Hey, look. Our football team’s not where we want it to be right now.’ I’m responsible for what happens on the field for our team.’

“We all take responsibility for our area of influence. That’s a great example of how we want to operate. Let’s own our part and let’s figure out a way to find a solution and let’s move forward. On the player side, definitely starts with Sam and I’m glad he’s the first one to say it.”

The Seahawks have their mini-bye with players off until a practice Monday afternoon.

Macdonald said coaches will be busy trying to assess what has gone wrong the past few weeks, especially with an offense that has lost 10 turnovers in the team’s three losses — which have come by just a combined eight points thanks to the stout play of the defense.

“I don’t like using the word concerned,” Macdonald said. “There’s a sense of urgency to get better in several areas of our football team. A lot of those are on offense. …

“I believe in our people. I believe in our ability to solve problems and work through issues. The whole ‘go through not around,’ that’s a real thing that I do believe in. … You can’t just kid yourself in times like this, so I’m confident we’re going to be able to do that.”

Injury updates

— Macdonald said there was no update on tight end Elijah Arroyo, who left the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. Macdonald said Arroyo was undergoing tests and more would be known later.

— Macdonald said there is “a good chance” starting right guard Anthony Bradford will be back for the Kansas City game on Oct. 25 after missing the last four games with hip and knee issues. Christian Haynes has started in his place with rookie Beau Stephens also playing in every game.

— Rookie running back Jadarian Price has to sit out one more game while on injured reserve because of a chest injury. He is eligible to return for the Bears game Nov. 2 and Macdonald said Friday, “We should be looking at a sooner-rather-than-later return after this (upcoming) game.”