The Seattle Seahawks kicked off their season with a thrilling 13-10 victory over the New England Patriots, but the win was overshadowed by an injury to starting quarterback Sam Darnold. However, head coach Mike Macdonald provided a ray of hope with positive updates on Darnold’s condition.
Darnold, who left the game in the first quarter due to a hip injury, underwent a series of tests that revealed encouraging news. Macdonald, speaking on his weekly show on Seattle Sports 710AM, shared that Darnold’s hip is intact and the injury is more muscular in nature. This news came as a relief to both the team and fans, who were concerned about the severity of the injury.
Darnold’s Injury and Potential Return
Macdonald explained that while the initial tests showed no fracture, further evaluations are needed to determine the extent of the injury and Darnold’s potential return to the field. ‘We’re still trying to figure out what the best prognosis is,’ Macdonald said. ‘The hip is intact and it’s good. It’s more of like a muscle thing. So that’s good, that’s the good news.’
Despite the positive news, Macdonald acknowledged that Darnold is currently in pain and that the road to recovery may take some time. As for Darnold’s availability for the team’s next game in Arizona, Macdonald remained uncertain. ‘I don’t know yet,’ he said. ‘In my mind I’m kind of thinking Drew’s going to play, but no one has told me that, that’s just kind of the way I’m thinking.’ This suggests that backup quarterback Drew Lock may continue to lead the offense in Darnold’s absence.
The Seahawks’ Comeback Victory
The Seahawks’ victory over the Patriots was a testament to the team’s resilience and depth. With Darnold sidelined, Lock stepped up and delivered a solid performance, throwing for 187 yards and one touchdown. The defense also played a crucial role, putting on a strong showing that helped secure the win.
Macdonald praised the team’s performance, highlighting their poise and confidence throughout the game. ‘I just have a lot of respect for our guys,’ he said. ‘I think the rest of our coaching staff feels the same way and it shows up on tape. I think you felt it throughout the course of the game.’ He also noted the team’s emotional support for Darnold and Lock, emphasizing the importance of unity and camaraderie.
Other Notable Performances
In addition to Lock’s impressive outing, rookie running back Jadarian Price made a strong debut, gaining 52 yards on 10 carries. Macdonald commended Price’s performance, stating, ‘I thought Jadarian Price had some really good runs for first NFL action in a setting like that.’ The running game as a whole showed promise, with Macdonald expressing excitement about its potential.
However, the Seahawks also faced challenges, particularly with penalties. The team committed 10 penalties, costing them 98 yards. Macdonald acknowledged the issue, stating that it was something the coaching staff would address. ‘It’s kind of everything right now,’ he said. ‘So let’s go back to the fundamentals, go back to the basics.’
Looking Ahead
As the Seahawks prepare for their next game, the focus will be on Darnold’s recovery and the team’s continued development. Macdonald emphasized the importance of building on the positive aspects of their performance while addressing areas that need improvement. ‘We have an expectation about how we want to play,’ he said. ‘I think our offensive line had a really good game. I though they played physical, though our tight ends played physical.’
The Seahawks’ victory over the Patriots was a promising start to the season, and the positive news about Darnold’s injury provides an additional boost. As the team moves forward, they will look to build on this momentum and continue to demonstrate their strength and resilience.
