by Sam Darnold NFC Championship 3 TD performance powered the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl LX after a thrilling 31–27 win over the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. The quarterback finally silenced his critics with the game of his career, delivering clutch throws and calm leadership under pressure. Head coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold’s poise and resilience, calling it a defining moment that launched Seattle onto football’s biggest stage.
A Masterclass Under Pressure
Darnold’s statistical line was nothing short of elite, completing 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards. However, the most impressive aspect of the night was the Sam Darnold NFC Championship 3 TD stat, especially considering he threw all three touchdowns while under significant pressure from a relentless Rams pass rush. Macdonald noted that Darnold “shut a lot of people up” with his poise, particularly after a regular season where he had struggled with turnovers against this same Los Angeles defense.
Overcoming Injury and Adversity
What makes this victory even more legendary is the context revealed by Macdonald post-game. Darnold had been battling a lingering oblique injury throughout the week, leading the coach to admit that his quarterback “barely practiced” leading up to the game. Despite the lack of reps, the Sam Darnold NFC Championship 3 TD masterpiece showed zero signs of physical limitation or mental fatigue, as he led crucial scoring drives in both the second and third quarters to keep Seattle ahead.
Key Stats from the NFC Championship
| Category | Sam Darnold’s Performance |
| Passing Yards | 346 |
| Touchdowns | 3 (All under pressure) |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Passer Rating | 122.4 |
Silencing the Doubters
For years, the narrative surrounding Darnold was focused on his “seeing ghosts” days and his status as a former first-round bust. Mike Macdonald’s defense of his player was passionate, stating that the Sam Darnold NFC Championship 3 TD output should go down as one of the best performances in playoff history. By playing turnover-free football in the highest-stakes game of his life, Darnold has transitioned from a journeyman reclamation project to a legitimate championship-caliber leader.
Looking Ahead to Super Bowl LX
The Seahawks now prepare for a historic rematch against the New England Patriots, the team that dealt them a heartbreaking loss over a decade ago. With the momentum of the Sam Darnold NFC Championship 3 TD masterclass behind them, the “12s” have every reason to be confident. Macdonald emphasized that the team’s “power of 12 is 1” mentality is stronger than ever, and with a quarterback playing at this level, a second Lombardi Trophy feels well within reach.
The New Era in Seattle
This victory marks a passing of the torch in Seattle sports history, establishing a new generation of heroes like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon alongside their veteran quarterback. The Sam Darnold NFC Championship 3 TD game will be remembered as the night the “ghosts” were finally exorcised for good. As the Seahawks head to San Francisco for the Super Bowl, the focus remains on finishing the job and cementing this comeback story with a ring.
Would you like me to create a detailed scouting report on how Sam Darnold matches up against the New England Patriots’ defense for the Super Bowl?
