{
  "id": 15035999,
  "title": "Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald shuts down Sam Darnold benching question despite ugly outing vs. Broncos",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/seahawks-mike-macdonald-shuts-down-sam-darnold-benching-question",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T20:18:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/seahawks-mike-macdonald-shuts-down-201857646.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a tough loss to the Denver Broncos in overtime, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold's performance raised questions about his future with the team. The quarterback had two interceptions, including one in overtime that led to the Broncos' victory on a field goal. Despite Darnold's struggles, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has ruled out benching him for now, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. Macdonald stated, \"No. No,\" when asked if he's considering a change at QB, explaining that they have a starting-caliber backup in Drew Lock and believe they can find solutions with Darnold as their starter. While Darnold has been ineffective, the organization believes he needs additional support and a better environment to succeed. The Seahawks have faced two elite defenses recently, including the San Francisco 49ers and Broncos, which may have contributed to Darnold's mistakes. With their next game against the Kansas City Chiefs looming, the team will be watching Darnold's performance closely. If he continues to struggle, it remains to be seen if Macdonald will consider any changes to the starting quarterback position.",
  "summary": "The Seattle Seahawks took a tough loss against the Denver Broncos in overtime, and it wasn’t the best performance from Sam Darnold . The quarterback threw two interceptions at crucial points in the game, and the one in overtime led to the Broncos winning the game on a field goal. Darnold’s performance has people raising questions, such as whether […] The post Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald shuts down…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Sam Darnold gets hit 17 times by Broncos defense, takes ownership of miscues as Seahawks fall in OT",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/sam-darnold-gets-hit-17-times-by-broncos-defense-takes-ownership-of-14887238",
        "published": "2026-10-16T06:10:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Sam Darnold gets hit 17 times by Broncos defense, takes ownership of miscues as Seahawks fall in OT",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/sam-darnold-gets-hit-17-times-by-broncos-defense-takes-ownership-of",
        "published": "2026-10-16T06:12:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}