The Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for their 2026 title defense, but they find themselves facing another wave of skepticism, particularly regarding quarterback Sam Darnold. Recently, sports commentator Skip Bayless pointed out what he perceives as a significant oversight in the ranking of Darnold, who was placed at No. 100 in ESPN's preseason list of the NFL's top players. This ranking has sparked criticism, especially in light of Darnold's accomplishments over the past season.
Darnold's position on the list is particularly striking given his recent performance. He played a pivotal role in leading the Seahawks to a remarkable 14-3 record during the regular season, culminating in an NFC Championship title and a Super Bowl victory. This success marks a significant turnaround in Darnold's career, which had previously been marred by struggles early on in his time in the league.
In a post on his official social media account, Bayless expressed his disbelief at Darnold's placement at the bottom of the list, arguing that it fails to acknowledge the quarterback's achievements adequately. He highlighted the contrast between Darnold's impressive winning record and the ongoing skepticism surrounding his abilities, despite his strong performances in consecutive seasons with different teams.
The ranking appears to be more reflective of expectations for the upcoming season rather than a recognition of past accomplishments. This distinction may explain why Darnold was included in the rankings but still found himself behind numerous players, including quarterbacks who have not enjoyed the same level of postseason success as he has.
Bayless's comments underscore the ongoing debate about Darnold's status as a legitimate starting quarterback in the NFL. Despite leading the league in turnovers last year, he has managed to compile a 31-7 record as a starter over the past two seasons, including a perfect 3-0 in last year's playoffs and a Super Bowl win. Bayless's incredulity at Darnold's No. 100 ranking reflects a broader sentiment among his supporters, who believe that the quarterback's recent success should warrant greater respect.
For the Seahawks, this perceived slight could serve as additional motivation as they embark on their quest to defend their championship title. Darnold has spent a significant portion of his career addressing questions about his legitimacy as a starting quarterback, and being ranked No. 100 provides him with yet another opportunity to demonstrate that his recent successes deserve more recognition. As the new season approaches, the Seahawks will look to build on their previous triumphs and prove the doubters wrong.
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