Seahawks lose to Rams 21-19 as Darnold struggles with four interceptions

The Seattle Seahawks playoff hopes took a hit following a narrow 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, marked by quarterback Sam Darnold's struggles.

Why it matters: With this defeat, the Seahawks saw their chances of winning the NFC West drop from 33% to 19%, a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the division.

• Seattle entered Week 11 as the NFL's third-highest scoring team but now faces growing concerns after recording a season-high 16 turnovers, including 10 attributed to Darnold alone.

What’s new: Darnold had a challenging outing, throwing four interceptions without a touchdown while completing 29 of 44 passes for 279 yards.

• Despite his setbacks, Darnold achieved personal bests in completions and yardage, highlighting a paradoxical performance that has left fans and analysts scratching their heads.

Yes, but: The Seahawks offensive struggles cannot be solely pinned on Darnold.

• The team gained 414 yards yet converted only 1 of 4 opportunities in the red zone.
• The defense did its part by limiting the Rams to just 249 total yards and forcing them into a mere 2-of-11 conversion rate on third downs.

What to watch: The response of the Seahawks’ coaching staff and players will be crucial in the coming weeks.

• Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed unwavering support for Darnold, stating, "He's done it since day one with us. And he's an ultimate competitor."
• Darnold himself acknowledged the need for improvement: "I can't turn the ball over as much as I did today... But I've got to be better, personally."

The big picture: This game serves as a reminder of the volatility inherent in the NFL, particularly for teams relying on new quarterbacks to navigate high-pressure situations.

• Ernest Jones IV, linebacker for the Rams, defended Darnold post-game, remarking, "If we want to try to define Sam by this game, Sam's had us in every f---ing game," showcasing camaraderie amidst adversity.

The bottom line: As the Seahawks regroup, they must find ways to mitigate turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities if they hope to stay in the playoff conversation.

• The loss also ended Seattle's impressive 10-game road winning streak dating back to last season, underscoring the need for a swift turnaround as they move forward.