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Slow-Motion Video of Sam Darnold's Game-Winning Throw Leaves Fans in Disbelief
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- Slow-Motion Video of Sam Darnold's Game-Winning Throw Leaves Fans in Disbelief
Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks escaped with an overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, and it was a thriller.
The Seahawks found themselves trailing 30-14 after a Puka Nacua touchdown early in the fourth quarter. But when it looked like it was over, Seattle rallied back with 16 unanswered points to force overtime.
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Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with Nacua once again on a 41-yard touchdown to start the extra period. However, Darnold wouldn't let their comeback efforts go to waste.
While he was largely inconsistent for most of the night, Darnold stepped up when it mattered most. A 21-yard pass to Cooper Kupp got the Seahawks going, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba's touchdown catch put them back in the game.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Rams. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Instead of going for a tie, though, Seattle opted for a two-point conversion. Darnold stayed patient and waited for things to play out, eventually finding tight end Eric Saubert in the middle of the end zone for the two points.
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It was definitely a dramatic finish, and the NFL 's slow-motion video of the sequence further showed just how incredible the game-winning pass was.
Naturally, fans were in awe of the play, especially after seeing the alternate angle and slow-motion version. In the clip, it was clear how Darnold sent the ball perfectly to Saubert, just a little to the side of the head of Rams defensive end Kobie Turner and above the defending Seahawks guard Grey Zabel .
"OMG that was wild. They didn't even hesitate to go for two either. Game of the year," a commenter wrote . Another one said , "Unbelievable."
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"That was gutsy and that's why it worked. No playing for overtime, no hesitation. Seattle trusted the call and executed when it mattered most. Rams had every reason to think they'd escaped and one snap flipped it all. This is the kind of moment that lives forever for one side and haunts the other. High risk, high reward, and it paid off," a fan added .
A supporter remarked , "That was wild. Adrenaline city."
"Clutch shot for the win," a follower stated .
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A sixth poster said in disbelief , "How did it not hit one of those helmets??? lol"
Darnold finished with 270 yards and two touchdowns on 22-of-34 pass completions. He was intercepted twice and sacked four times.
The Seahawks clinched a playoff spot as a result of the win. They also moved up to the No. 1 spot in the NFC.
Related: NFL Announces Puka Nacua News Before Game Against Eagles
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
