Darnold Shines in Conference Championship Victory
The NFC Championship Game showcased a remarkable quarterback matchup, emphasizing both player performance and defensive prowess. Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a thrilling victory over Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, securing a spot in Super Bowl LX.
Darnold Shines in Conference Championship Victory
During this highly anticipated game, both quarterbacks exceeded 340 yards and threw three touchdowns. Despite Stafford’s impressive performance, Darnold outshone him on the scoreboard, finishing with 346 passing yards compared to Stafford’s 374.
Quarterback Performances
The DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement) revealed an intense battle, with Stafford achieving a DYAR of 253 against Darnold’s 196. This championship matchup was among the best postseason quarterback performances, ranking high in terms of combined DYAR.
| Year | Quarterback 1 | DYAR 1 | Quarterback 2 | DYAR 2 | Harmonic Mean |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | M. Stafford | 253 | S. Darnold | 196 | 221 |
| 2009 | K. Warner | 372 | A. Rodgers | 175 | 238 |
| 2017 | T. Brady | 296 | N. Foles | 159 | 206 |
Rushing and Receiving Highlights
In addition to Darnold’s aerial prowess, Drake Maye contributed with notable rushing efforts, adding a touchdown and multiple key first downs. His performance ranked among the best rushing games for a quarterback this season.
- Drake Maye: 10/21 passing, 86 yards, 0 TD.
- Jarrett Stidham: 17/31 passing, 133 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
The running game featured strong efforts from various players, including Kyren Williams, who made significant plays for the Rams. Blake Corum also had notable gains, indicating a competitive battle against formidable defenses.
Wide Receiver Performances
Wide receiver depth played a crucial role, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Puka Nacua both delivering impactful performances. Smith-Njigba’s 77 DYAR outshone Nacua’s 73, highlighting their importance to their respective offenses.
The 2025 NFC Championship Game not only showcased stellar quarterback performances but also underscored the significance of strategic play and the resilience of each team. As the Seahawks prepare for their Super Bowl bid, Darnold’s standout performance will be a major talking point leading up to the championship clash.
