Head Coach Mike Macdonald Reveals the Truth Behind Sam Darnold’s “Perfect Game”: “He Reminds Me of Legend Matt Hasselbeck” – And Behind That Remark Lies a Story That Left the Entire Locker Room Speechless

Head Coach Mike Macdonald Reveals the Truth Behind Sam Darnold’s “Perfect Game”: “He Reminds Me of Legend Matt Hasselbeck” – And Behind That Remark Lies a Story That Left the Entire Locker Room Speechless.

Seattle, Washington – November 3, 2025

Following a dominant 38–14 victory over the Washington Commanders, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald couldn’t hide his admiration for quarterback Sam Darnold, who delivered the best performance of his NFL career. Throwing for 330 yards, 4 touchdowns, no interceptions, and no sacks, Darnold ignited the Lumen Field crowd — and left his head coach visibly moved.

“He reminds me of Matt Hasselbeck,” Macdonald said after the game. “It’s not just the accuracy — it’s how he controls the game, commands the huddle, and elevates everyone around him. That’s smart, disciplined football. That’s the Seattle way we’re trying to bring back.”

What made the moment even more meaningful was the journey Darnold took to get here. Once labeled a “bust” with the New York Jets, then reduced to backup roles in Carolina and San Francisco, Darnold endured what he once described as “the darkest stretch of self-doubt” in his life.
When he arrived in Seattle earlier this year, few believed he could reclaim a starting job — yet he quietly outworked everyone. Darnold spent an extra three hours daily at the facility, often being the last to leave and the first to arrive. Teammates said he “always carried an iPad” to rewatch defensive reads and came to meetings at 5 a.m. to master Macdonald’s system.

“He works like there’s no tomorrow,” one assistant coach revealed. “Nobody in this building puts in more effort than Sam.”

That relentless commitment paid off in spectacular fashion. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Darnold was pressured on only 3 of 24 dropbacks (12.5%), the lowest rate of his career. He completed 21 of 24 passes, including 16 straight to start the game, leading Seattle to touchdowns on its first four drives — a flawless display of rhythm and control.

For Macdonald, this was more than just a win — it was a defining moment of leadership.

“Sam didn’t just throw the ball,” Macdonald said. “He led. He made everyone believe in him. And when a team starts to believe like that, special things happen.”

The victory lifted the Seahawks to 6–2, keeping them firmly in the NFC West title hunt. But beyond the scoreline, this night symbolized something deeper — the redemption of a quarterback once written off, who fought his way back through sheer determination and calm resilience. And in doing so, Sam Darnold reminded Seattle of another era — when a leader named Matt Hasselbeck once stood at the heart of the Seahawks’ golden age.