Gruden Defends Darnold After Fan Criticism

Seahawks broadcaster and former coach Jon Gruden stood up for quarterback Sam Darnold on his show after a caller questioned his play.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football

Gruden Defends Darnold After Fan Criticism

On the Gruden Family Football Show, Jon Gruden defended Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and cut off a caller who criticized his play this season. The exchange followed a caller the previous week who questioned why Seattle was still starting Darnold.

Why it matters

Darnold's statistics have declined from last season, with lower passing yards, completion percentage, and an interception total of nine this year. The debate over his starting role is a live question for Seattle's offense as the team continues its season.

Darnold is averaging 211.1 passing yards per game this season, down from 238.1 last year, with a completion rate of 60.2% compared to 67.7% previously and nine interceptions. Against Chicago last week he was pressured on 14 of 39 dropbacks and completed one of 11 passes under pressure for 13 yards, and it remains unclear how the offense will adjust.

The players

Jon Gruden

Former NFL head coach and current broadcaster who hosts the Gruden Family Football Show, previously coached the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback in his second season with the team, who previously played for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Minnesota Vikings.

The details

Gruden cut off the caller on air and defended Darnold's play. The caller had phoned in the previous week questioning why Seattle was still playing Darnold, and Darnold has thrown one interception in every game since the season opener against the New England Patriots.

Last week: Darnold was pressured on 14 of 39 dropbacks against the Chicago Bears, and a caller questioned his starting role on Gruden's show.
Last year: Darnold won a Super Bowl with Seattle and threw 25 touchdowns in the regular season.

Season Trajectory

Darnold's struggles raise the same question Tampa Bay faced with Brad Johnson, who threw 21 interceptions in 2003 before being benched midway through 2004. Whether Seattle follows a similar path will shape its quarterback picture as the season progresses.

Darnold's interception count and reduced production affect Seattle's offensive output and fantasy valuations for his passing game. Fantasy managers relying on Seattle's passing attack should weigh his declining yardage and completion rate against his recent pressure splits.

The takeaway

Quarterback performance under pressure is a key measure of an offense's stability. Tracking Darnold's completion rate and interception trend over the coming weeks will show whether the criticism reflects a lasting decline.