Seahawks Edge Texans Despite Turnovers
Seahawks Edge Texans Despite Turnovers
In a gripping Monday Night Football clash, Sam Darnold led the Seattle Seahawks to a 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans despite four costly turnovers. The Seahawks showcased resilience, capitalizing on strong defensive plays and key offensive moments. Running back Zach Charbonnet scored twice, helping Seattle build a solid lead, while the defense limited Houston's scoring opportunities despite some late pressure.
Darnold’s Mixed Performance and Team Effort
Darnold started strong with impressive passes to receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba but struggled with ball security, including a strip-sack resulting in a Texans touchdown. Still, Seattle’s defense and special teams compensated well, maintaining control and stifling Houston's attempts to mount a comeback late in the game.
Implications for the Season
This hard-fought victory improves the Seahawks' record to 5-2, placing them in a tie atop the NFC West. The Texans, falling to 2-4, face pressure to regroup quickly. Seattle’s ability to win despite mistakes signals potential growth as the season progresses.
About the People Mentioned
Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. Born on June 5, 1997, in Dana Point, California, he played college football at USC, where he distinguished himself as a highly efficient and productive quarterback. At USC, Darnold set multiple records, including being the only Trojan quarterback to have back-to-back games with five passing touchdowns and leading the nation in several freshman quarterback categories such as passing efficiency and completion percentage[1]. Darnold was drafted third overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, marking him as one of the highest selections of his class[2][4]. He was the youngest quarterback to start an NFL game at the time, debuting with a strong win over the Detroit Lions. However, his tenure with the Jets was marked by inconsistency and injuries, limiting him to no more than 13 starts in any season and a career record of 17-32 as a starter with the team[4]. Following his time with the Jets, Darnold spent a period with the Carolina Panthers and later signed as a backup quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was noted for outperforming Trey Lance in the depth chart during the offseason[5]. In 2025, Darnold signed a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, where he currently plays, bringing eight years of NFL experience and standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds[2][6][7]. Throughout his career, Darnold has been recognized for his resilience and adaptability, transitioning from a highly promising college star to navigating the challenges of professional football with multiple teams. His current role with the Seahawks reflects his ongoing relevance in the league as a seasoned quarterback[3][5][6].
Zach Charbonnet
Zach Charbonnet is an American professional football **running back** for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League.[1] Born on January 8, 2001, in Bellflower, California, he attended Oaks Christian School in Camarillo, California, where he helped his team win four consecutive league championships.[2] Charbonnet began his college football career at the University of Michigan in 2019. As a true freshman, he made an immediate impact by starting in Michigan's season opener—becoming the first Wolverine true freshman to start at tailback in a season opener since 2008.[2] During his freshman year, he appeared in all 13 games, recording 149 carries for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning the team's Offensive Rookie of the Year award.[2] In his sophomore season, he rushed 82 times for 844 yards and 23 touchdowns.[2] In January 2021, Charbonnet transferred to UCLA, taking advantage of the NCAA's new transfer rules that eliminated sitting-out requirements.[4] At UCLA, he significantly elevated his performance. During the 2022 season, he rushed for 1,359 yards and 14 touchdowns while catching 37 passes for 321 yards. He was named a first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and led the nation with 168 all-purpose yards per game.[1] Following his standout college career, Charbonnet entered the 2023 NFL Draft and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round as the 52nd overall pick.[1] In his rookie NFL season in 2023, he played in all 16 games with three starts, recording 108 carries for 462 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown, along with 33 receptions for 209 receiving yards.[1] He scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 13 against the Dallas Cowboys on a one-yard run.[1]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington, and a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) West division in the National Football League (NFL). Established in 1976, the Seahawks are known for their unique history, having switched conferences twice, initially moving from the NFC to the American Football Conference (AFC) in 1977 and returning to the NFC in 2002[1][2]. ### History and Achievements - **Early Years**: The Seahawks began play in the NFC but quickly moved to the AFC, where they spent 25 years. Their first winning season was in 1978, with notable players like Jim Zorn and Steve Largent[1][3]. - **Recent Success**: Under the ownership of Paul Allen, who purchased the team in 1997, the Seahawks experienced significant success. They won their first Super Bowl in 2014 (Super Bowl XLVIII) and have appeared in multiple NFC Championship games[1][5]. - **Notable Coaches**: Mike Holmgren and Pete Carroll have been pivotal in the team's success. Holmgren led the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl appearance in 2005, while Carroll oversaw a dominant defensive era, winning Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014[5]. ### Current Status - **Performance**: As of the 2025 season, the Seahawks have a playoff record of 17-19 and have won nine NFC West titles since their return to the NFC[2]. - **Ownership**: After Paul Allen's passing in 2018, the team is currently owned by the Paul G. Allen Trust, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategy[5]. ### Notable Aspects - **Fan Engagement**: The Seahawks are famous for their loud fan base, known as the "12th Man," which has been recorded causing seismic activity during games, such as the "Beast Quake" in 2010[6].
Houston Texans
The **Houston Texans** are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Established in 2002 as an expansion franchise, they restored NFL football to Houston after the previous team, the Houston Oilers, relocated to Tennessee in 1997[1][2][4]. The franchise was founded through the efforts of Houston businessman Bob McNair, who secured the team after a competitive league process and a $700 million franchise fee[2]. The Texans’ inaugural season began with a notable victory over the Dallas Cowboys, marking the first time an expansion team won its debut game since 1961[3]. Early years were challenging, with the team frequently finishing last in their division and struggling offensively, especially in protecting quarterback David Carr, who led the league in sacks allowed during his tenure[1]. Over time, the team improved, drafting key players such as wide receiver Andre Johnson and running back Domanick Davis, both of whom became franchise icons[3]. The Texans have achieved moderate success, winning multiple AFC South division titles, notably in the 2010s, but they have yet to reach an NFL conference championship game or Super Bowl[4][5]. Their playoff history includes five appearances with a 3–5 postseason record. The franchise has experienced leadership changes, including the passing of founder Bob McNair in 2018, after which ownership passed to his family, and shifts in general management and coaching staff[5]. Home games are played at NRG Stadium, a modern venue with a retractable roof that seats over 72,000 fans, reflecting the team's strong local support and Houston’s status as a major sports market[4][6]. The Texans are recognized for their passionate fan base, significant regional identity, and ongoing efforts to build a competitive franchise in the NFL landscape[7].
