Darnold INT dooms Seahawks in 17-14 OT loss to Broncos

Once again, a costly turnover doomed the Seattle Seahawks.

After rallying Seattle from an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit, Sam Darnold threw an interception in overtime that set up Wil Lutz’s game-ending 53-yard field goal as the Seahawks suffered a 17-14 loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.

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It was one of two interceptions for Darnold, who has thrown seven picks in four games since returning from a glute injury.

With the defeat, Seattle fell to 3-3 and matched its loss total from last season’s Super Bowl-winning campaign.

Darnold’s latest blunder came on the opening possession of overtime, with the Seahawks facing third-and-7 from their own 28-yard line. Darnold tried to split two defenders on a pass down the sideline toward Rashid Shaheed, but cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian ranged over for the interception to set up Denver on the Seattle 43-yard line.

The Broncos then ran for 8 yards on three plays to set up Lutz’s game-winner.

BRONCOS INTERCEPTION IN OT

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Seattle’s offense was lifeless for most of the night, mustering just three points and 189 yards through the first 50 minutes of the game.

Trailing 14-3 in the fourth quarter, Darnold and the Seahawks finally got untracked with an 11-play, 67-yard touchdown drive. George Holani capped the march with a 1-yard TD run and Shaheed snagged a deflected pass for the ensuing 2-point conversion to make it 14-11 with 5:41 to play.

Seattle’s defense then forced a three-and-out, which gave the ball right back to Darnold. But after driving the Seahawks to the fringe of field-goal range, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback threw his first of two interceptions.

Facing pressure on a third-and-1 from the Denver 39, Darnold backpedaled and tried to hit Tory Horton on a crossing route near the left sideline. Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine jumped in front for a leaping interception with 1:25 to play.

However, Darnold got a second chance. After Seattle’s defense forced another three-and-out, Darnold got the ball back with 57 seconds left and led the Seahawks 38 yards in eight plays to set up Jason Myers’ game-tying 34-yard field goal with three seconds remaining.

But Seattle’s hopes of an improbable comeback in the Mile High City were thwarted by Darnold’s costly overtime mistake.

The Seahawks’ three losses this season have come by a combined eight points. And turnovers have loomed large in each of them.

Last month, Seattle committed three turnovers that led to 20 points in a 33-31 loss to the Washington Commanders. Two of those giveaways were Darnold interceptions, including a pick-six.

This past Sunday, Darnold threw two interceptions and the Seahawks lost two fumbles in a 32-29 loss to the NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. Three of Seattle’s four turnovers led to 21 points for the Niners.

The Seahawks also had three turnovers on Thursday night. In addition to Darnold’s two interceptions, Shaheed lost a fumble with Seattle in field-goal range late in the first half.

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