Seattle — Sam Darnold has had a rollercoaster journey through the NFL, starting with being selected third overall by the New York Jets in 2018. He was eventually released by the Minnesota Vikings after leading them to a 14-3 regular season but struggling in the playoffs. Now, in his first season with the Seattle Seahawks, he’s on the verge of a Super Bowl appearance.

Darnold delivered a stellar performance in the NFC championship game, throwing for three touchdowns as the Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-27. The “Dark Side” defense made a crucial fourth-down stop, helping Seattle advance to the Super Bowl. This marks the Seahawks’ fourth Super Bowl in franchise history and their first in 11 years.

“You can’t talk about the game without talking about our quarterback,” said second-year coach Mike Macdonald. “He shut a lot of people up (Sunday), so I’m happy for him.”

Darnold, an eight-year veteran playing for his fifth team, led the Seahawks (16-3) to the Super Bowl. The team last appeared in the big game in 2013, where they lost to the New England Patriots. They will face the same opponent in two weeks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Despite playing through an oblique injury, Darnold completed 25 of 36 passes for 346 yards with no turnovers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a standout game, recording 153 yards receiving — the second-most in a playoff game in franchise history — and a touchdown on 10 catches.

“Can’t say enough about Sam, man,” Smith-Njigba said. “It’s been a great first year. We got one more to go. But for him to overcome what he had to overcome, I’m riding with Sam all day.”

The Seahawks faced a tough challenge from Matthew Stafford, who led the Rams (14-6) into a position to take the lead with 4:59 remaining. On fourth and 4 at the Seattle 6, coach Sean McVay decided to go for it, but Stafford’s pass was broken up in the end zone by Devon Witherspoon.

“He’s just the heart of our defense,” said safety Julian Love. “He just is the essence. ‘Spoon is it. He plays with just such a raw energy. And we love him for it.”

The Rams didn’t get the ball back until there were 25 seconds left, and Puka Nacua was tackled inbounds near midfield on the final play.

Stafford threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns, but the Rams were undone by critical errors, including a muffed punt by Xavier Smith in the third quarter. On the next play, Darnold connected with Jake Bobo for a 17-yard touchdown and a 24-13 lead.

“That was a tough one,” McVay said.

The Seahawks led 31-20 late in the third quarter on Darnold’s 13-yard TD pass to Cooper Kupp, but the Rams got back into the game when Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen was flagged for taunting after breaking up a pass to Nacua on third-and-12, giving Los Angeles a first down.

On the next play, Stafford threw at Woolen again, and Nacua beat him in the corner of the end zone for a 34-yard touchdown.

“Even though I made a great play, I wasn’t great for my team,” Woolen said. “And I’ve got to be better with that and celebrate with the team.”

The Rams forced a punt on Seattle’s next possession and went on a 14-play, 84-yard drive that came up empty thanks to Witherspoon’s pass breakup.

Seattle stayed aggressive on its final possession, with Darnold throwing for three first downs to run out most of the clock.

Darnold set the tone with his first completion of the game, a 51-yarder to Rashid Shaheed. Four plays later, Walker ran 2 yards for a TD to make it 7-0.

Leading 13-10, Los Angeles forced a three-and-out late in the second quarter, but after two straight incompletions by Stafford, the Rams punted the ball back, and it took Darnold just 34 seconds to put the Seahawks ahead for good.

Smith-Njigba caught a deep pass from Darnold, absorbed a big hit by Kam Curl and held on for a 42-yard gain. Four plays later, Darnold and Smith-Njigba hooked up for a 14-yard TD that made it 17-13 heading into halftime.

“I told my team, I’m going to do whatever it takes. Whatever y’all ask of me, I’m gonna get it done, whatever that might be,” said Smith-Njigba, the NFL’s leading receiver in the regular season. “And that’s what you saw (Sunday). You just saw grit, determination, you saw passion out there and you saw a group, a collective, going out there and getting the job done.”

McVay would love to have Stafford back

McVay bristled when asked if he expects Stafford to return next season. The 37-year-old is a finalist for his first MVP award after throwing for a league-leading 4,707 yards and a career-best 46 touchdown passes.

“I know that if he wants to, he’s still playing at a pretty damn good clip,” McVay said. “I mean, he’s the MVP of the league, and if he’s not, respect for everybody else. But this guy played a level that’s just different.”

Bobo finds the end zone

Bobo’s touchdown catch was his first since Jan. 5, 2025, which also came against the Rams, and the fourth of his three-year career. He gave all the credit to Darnold.

“He’s the best in the world,” Bobo said. “It didn’t surprise anybody in here, I’ll tell you that.”