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Seahawks-Broncos score: It might be time to bench Sam Darnold after OT loss

The Denver Broncos defeated the Seattle Seahawks 17-14 in overtime on Thursday Night Football, extending their season record to 4-2 while dropping the Seahawks to 3-3. The loss marked another setback for Seattle’s quarterback situation, as Sam Darnold’s struggles under pressure became the focal point of the game.

Darnold finished 27-of-51 for 278 yards, threw two interceptions, and was pressured on 24 of his dropbacks, including a costly interception by Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian on the first drive of overtime. The interception set up Wil Lutz’s 53-yard field goal, which sealed the Broncos’ victory.

Despite Seattle’s 353 total yards outgaining Denver’s 168, the Seahawks’ offensive inefficiency and defensive miscues proved decisive in the overtime loss.

The Broncos’ offense, though limited to just 168 yards, executed efficiently when it mattered. Quarterback Bo Nix completed 17-of-27 passes for 107 yards, with running backs RJ Harvey and J.K.

Dobbins each scoring touchdowns on short runs. Denver’s defense dominated early, forcing three punts, recovering a fumble from Seattle’s Rashid Shaheed, and allowing only a field goal in the first half.

The Broncos led 14-3 at halftime, with Seattle managing just 91 yards and three points in the opening frame. Seattle’s only first-half scoring came from a Jason Myers field goal, but the team’s inability to sustain drives or capitalize on opportunities became a recurring theme.

Seattle’s late rally in the fourth quarter was undercut by two critical turnovers. Kris Abrams-Draine intercepted Darnold with 1:25 remaining in regulation, setting up Denver’s drive.

Later, Shaheed’s fumble on a punt return was recovered by the Broncos, further stalling Seattle’s momentum. The Seahawks’ six drives inside the Denver 40 yielded only a field goal, a touchdown, and a 2-point conversion, highlighting their offensive limitations.

Meanwhile, the Broncos’ game-winning drive in overtime was a methodical 8-yard, 8-play march, culminating in Lutz’s clutch 53-yard field goal.

Seattle’s defensive stand was overshadowed by offensive inconsistencies. The Seahawks’ defense held Denver to 30 yards and two first downs in the second half, going 0-for-6 on third down, but the unit’s inability to stop the Broncos’ short-yardage runs proved costly.

The offensive line’s struggles exacerbated Darnold’s challenges, as he was sacked five times and frequently pressured. Tight end Elijah Arroyo suffered a shoulder injury while attempting to recover Shaheed’s fumble and is doubtful to return, adding to Seattle’s depth concerns.

The Broncos’ Tyler Badie was also ruled out with a thumb injury, though his absence did not impact the game’s outcome.

The loss deepens questions about Darnold’s role in Seattle’s playoff aspirations. His performance mirrored earlier struggles, contrasting sharply with his form in the team’s championship season. With the Seahawks facing a critical stretch of the schedule, the inconsistency at quarterback remains a glaring issue.

This report also draws on coverage from Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports.

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