Commanders, Seattle Seahawks and Sunday Night Football
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Sam Darnold's stellar performance, including a perfect first half in a 38-14 win over Washington, has been crucial to Seattle's 6-2 start and positions Darnold as a possible MVP contender.
Despite a tough loss, the Washington Commanders celebrated franchise history with special moments, including new uniforms and Art Monk's jersey retirement.
The Seahawks are off to their best start since 2020. Jaxon Smith-Njigba could threaten Calvin Johnson for the NFL single-season receiving yards record.
Sunday night's blowout victory featured important contributions from players who have spent time on Seattle's "ready squad."
Fueled by Sam Darnold's near perfection in Week 9, the Seahawks climbed from No. 11 to No. 6 in The Athletic's new NFL power rankings.