Seahawks rally around Darnold after 4-INT loss: 'We've got his back'

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV had a strong message for anyone doubting Sam Darnold after the quarterback threw four interceptions in Sunday's 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

"I mean, Sam's been balling," Jones said. "If we want to try to define Sam by this game, Sam's had us in every f-----g game. So, for him to sit there and say, 'That's my fault,' no, it's not. There was plays that defensively we could have made, opportunities where we could have got better stops. It's football, man. He's our quarterback. We've got his back, and if you've got anything to say, quite frankly, f--k you."

Right tackle Abraham Lucas also came to Darnold's defense postgame.

"Listen, I will defend Sam as my teammate and my quarterback," the offensive lineman said, according to team reporter John Boyle. "Stats can say whatever they want, not everybody is going to have a perfect game all the time. Sometimes things happen. He's a phenomenal quarterback, and it's impressive that he doesn't let mistakes get to him. I think people can take lessons from him. He's been balling, he's been lights out, and I'm excited to see what he can do moving forward."

Darnold had his first four-interception game since his infamous 33-0 loss to the New England Patriots in 2019. In that contest, Darnold said on the sideline that he was "seeing ghosts."

Sunday's loss is the only flaw on a productive 2025 campaign from the veteran quarterback. Darnold entered the game with 17 touchdowns to six interceptions and a 7-2 record.

"I'll learn from it, watch the tape, grow from it," Darnold said postgame, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. "You've got to give credit to the Rams. Obviously, they're a really good defense, a really good team. But I've got to be better, personally."

Despite Darnold's poor showing, the Seahawks still had a chance to win it late before Jason Myers' attempt at a walk-off 61-yard field goal was no good.