Addressing the media on Friday, Macdonald emphasized his confidence in Darnold’s ability to lead the offense. While acknowledging the recent turnover issues, the head coach maintained that the responsibility for the team's offensive struggles is shared and that Darnold remains the best option to guide the squad forward. Macdonald noted that the team is focused on finding collective solutions to improve their performance on the field.
Addressing the Turnover Struggles and Offensive Challenges
Darnold’s recent form has been under scrutiny following a series of costly mistakes. During Thursday's loss to Denver, he threw interceptions in both the fourth quarter and overtime. This followed a performance against the San Francisco 49ers just four days prior where he was also picked off twice. Since returning from a glute injury sustained in the season opener, Darnold has recorded a Total QBR of 43.8, ranking him 26th in the league since Week 3.
Despite the availability of backup Drew Lock—who posted an impressive 84.7 QBR without committing a turnover during his two-game stint earlier this season—Macdonald dismissed the possibility of a quarterback change. He reiterated that the team views Darnold as a central part of the solution. The coach also pointed out that the offense's difficulties extend beyond the quarterback position. The team has struggled with five additional turnovers via fumbles, and the running game has been hampered by injuries to key players Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet.
Injury Updates and Looking Ahead
The offensive line has also faced significant pressure, with Darnold being sacked five times in each of the last two games. Macdonald suggested that these issues are a combination of pass protection breakdowns and the quarterback holding the ball for too long, areas he believes the team can address through better execution. As the Seahawks prepare for their upcoming Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, there is some optimism regarding personnel.
Right guard Anthony Bradford, who has been sidelined for five games, is considered to have a strong chance of returning to the lineup against the Chiefs. Meanwhile, rookie running back Jadarian Price continues to recover well while on injured reserve, and the team is awaiting further developments on Zach Charbonnet, who must be activated from the physically unable to perform list by next Thursday.
