Darnold, who is dealing with an oblique injury, has been excellent in his first season in Seattle, but pressure can cause problems.
Of Darnold’s 20 receptions, 11 were under pressure in 2025 (tied for most with Joe Flacco). Six of the QB’s interceptions came under pressure, tied for fourth most. According to Next Generation Stats, Darnold was pressured on just 29.4 percent of drops, sixth-lowest in the league, but 7.2 percent of those pressured drops resulted in a fumble, tops in 2025.
The Rams pressured opponents to a 38.0 percent drop rate (fifth-highest). In Week 11, they pressured Darnold on 28.9 percent of his downs, compared to a 33.3 percent rate in Week 16. According to NGS, Darnold had a 26.7 passer rating under pressure against the Rams in 2025, with 5.4 yards per attempt, zero TDs and three INTs. Not under pressure, those numbers ran to 7.7 YPA, two TDs, three INTs and an 83.2 passer rating.
The Rams used stunts and pressure schemes to rattle Darnold. In the third meeting, Shula knows Seattle will be ready for what he throws at the QB.
“I don’t think either of us is going to outsmart the other,” DC said.