Njigba for a 14-yard touchdown that gave the Seattle Seahawks a lead over the Los Angeles Rams.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold slings a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Cooper Kupp against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Championship Game of the 2025 NFL season.

Sam Darnold opened the game with a stunning 42-yard dart to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, setting the tone for the Seahawks' offensive dominance. This play not only demonstrated Darnold's accuracy but also his ability to connect with his receivers under pressure.

Sam Darnold found Cooper Kupp for a 13-yard touchdown that extended the Seattle Seahawks' lead over the Los Angeles Rams.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold darts a 42-yard pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Championship Game of the 2025 NFL season.

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson catches a 16-yard pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford plows forward for a 3-yard rushing gain to convert on a fourth down against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is wide-open on 9-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to cap an 87-yard drive. Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leaks out of the backfield for a wide open 14-yard touchdown to take a 16-13 lead over the Los Angeles Rams before halftime.

Seahawks quarterback became the second quarterback in NFL history to have consecutive 14-win seasons after Tom Brady.

Sam Darnold's journey in the NFL has been marked by ups and downs, but his recent performance against the 49ers demonstrated his growth as a quarterback. By successfully finding Smith-Njigba in the end zone, Darnold not only extended the Seahawks' lead but also displayed his improved decision-making and accuracy.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold lasers a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Seattle Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence wraps around the Los Angeles Rams offensive line to drop Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for a 10-yard sack.

Journalism school teaches one not to bury the gist of a story, so let’s apply that lesson here. I was wrong about Sam Darnold. Dead wrong. The Seattle Seahawks are in the Super Bowl because Darnold proved he’s capable of performing in the clutch when playoff pressure is at its highest,