Logo

QB Sam Darnold Takes Responsibility After “Game-Changing Play” Against Rams: “I Played Through Pain While Getting Hit Repeatedly in the Same Spot, Just Hoping to Create One Chance for the Seahawks”

Seattle, Washington. 17/11/2025

The atmosphere inside the postgame press room was suffocating after the Seattle Seahawks’ 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. But before any criticism could be directed toward the game plan or the controversial moments on the field, quarterback Sam Darnold stepped forward and took full responsibility for the play widely viewed as the “game changer.”

Live: Recap: Seahawks' wild comeback falls short as Rams grab lead in NFC  West | The Seattle Times

The defining moment came midway through the fourth quarter, just as Seattle was regaining momentum and inching toward a real chance at a comeback. Under heavy pressure from the Rams’ defense, Darnold fired a pass over the middle. The throw was immediately jumped by a Rams defender, resulting in a costly interception that set up the opponent’s decisive scoring sequence.

Still in visible pain, Darnold explained what he had been dealing with throughout the game.

“I played through pain while getting hit repeatedly in the same spot, but I kept trying to stand strong because I just wanted to create one opportunity for the Seahawks. That play was my fault and no one else’s. I know there are things that happen on the field that we cannot control, especially when it feels like things are not going our way in the fairest manner. But no matter what, I have to take responsibility. I just hope the fans understand that we fought with everything we had left.”

The Seahawks actually performed better than the score suggests. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s defense consistently pressured the Rams, held them below their average yardage, and helped Seattle dominate time of possession. However, every time the team started to build momentum, Darnold’s mistakes halted their progress.

Statistically, Darnold finished 29 of 44 for 279 yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions. Those numbers have sparked intense discussion about his future as Seattle’s starter.

Coach Macdonald defended Darnold’s toughness, noting his effort despite constant hits to a painful spot. But he also admitted that Seattle needs near-perfect execution from its quarterback if the team hopes to compete deep into the season.

As the press conference ended, Darnold delivered a message that left the room silent.

“I know I let down the people who believe in me. But I will get up and fix this. This game will not be the ending. I will prove that.”

Now the Seahawks can only wait to see whether that promise becomes a turning point or another painful chapter in a season full of questions.

Iran Threatens to Destroy Oil Infrastructure Tied to the US After Strategic Island Attack
Saturday, March 14, 2026  Iran has warned it will destroy oil infrastructure linked to the United States after Washington launched an attack on Tehran's oil lifeline. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that the defense systems on Kharg Island had been completely destroyed. The IRGC confirmed that U.S. forces targeted around 15 sites, including Iran's air defense positions, the Joshen naval base, an airport control tower, and a helicopter pad. However, they insisted that the island's defense systems were operational again within an hour after the strike. The IRGC also emphasized that no oil infrastructure on Kharg Island—which handles approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports—was damaged in the U.S. airstrikes. Tehran reiterated its warning that if its energy infrastructure were attacked, all oil facilities in the region that benefit the U.S. and its allies would be "set ablaze and destroyed." A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command also warned that Tehran would turn all oil infrastructure linked to the U.S. across the Middle East into "ashes" if any of Iran's facilities were attacked. On March 13, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his previous statement that the U.S. military campaign against Iran was "far exceeding expectations." However, he declined to provide any specific timeline for the end of the conflict. RELATED STORIESWhat Will Happen When the U.S. Strikes Iran’s “Crown Jewel” Island?Trump stated that the war would continue “for as long as necessary.” When asked about the concept of “unconditional surrender” that he expected from Tehran, the U.S. president responded that it meant "we are in an overwhelmingly strong position like never before." In a post on social media, Trump declared that Iran had been "completely defeated" in the U.S. and Israeli military campaign. He claimed that Iran sought a deal, despite Iranian officials asserting that they would continue the war. “Fake news doesn’t want to report on how well the U.S. military is doing against Iran, a country that has been completely defeated and wants a deal—but not one I will accept!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Kharg Island: The Heart of Iran’s Oil ExportsThe island of Kharg, a small strip of land roughly 8 km off Iran's coast, had remained relatively untouched in the first two weeks of the war. Located in the northern Persian Gulf, Kharg is crucial to Iran's oil export system and a significant revenue source for the Tehran government. Approximately 90-95% of Iran’s crude oil exports—around 1.7 million barrels per day in 2025—pass through Kharg before reaching international markets. Kharg is connected by pipelines to major oil fields on Iran's mainland and has large deep-water ports capable of handling some of the world’s largest oil tankers. This infrastructure allows Iran to efficiently transport crude oil to buyers, particularly in Asia.