Smith didn’t sugarcoat his concern, saying he’s “damned if I’m not concerned” about Darnold. He noted Darnold can play well, but also has a tendency to hurt a team and cost them games, especially in a high-stakes postseason setting. The veteran pundit pointed to Darnold’s conservative play since that rough stretch against the Rams. 😬💬
The analyst tied the concern to Darnold’s recent postseason track record, referencing the meltdown in Minnesota and the way he was pressured and overwhelmed by the Rams. Smith stressed that last year’s playoff performance still sticks with him, making this game a particularly telling test for Seattle. 🗣️🔥
Darnold’s postseason trauma isn’t just mental; it’s tied to physical bursts of pressure as well. In last year’s postseason game against the Rams, he was under siege, with the pressure contributing to a disastrous outing. The frame of mind and the on-field strain are central to how Seattle’s QB handles the big stage. 🛡️💥
On the injury front, Darnold has been dealing with an oblique issue that could have sidelined him, but he indicated he wouldn’t push it and instead focused on rehab, with plans to be ready for Saturday. He’s expected to start for Seattle, hoping the rest of the preparation pays off in a pivotal matchup. 💪🧰⏳
