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.

The latest episode of “The Athletic Football Show” focuses on an unlikely MVP contender who refuses to fall back in the ongoing race.

Shaheed joins the Seattle receiver room that includes arguably the best receiver in the game right now, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He leads the league with 948 receiving yards through eight games. Now quarterback Sam Darnold has another key target.

Seattle's blowout of the Washington Commanders on Sunday night was a clinic by Darnold and also featured a swarming, attacking defense that ranks fifth in the league in scoring (18.8 points allowed per game) and is tied for third in sacks (27).

Sam Darnold is having a half to remember for the Seahawks after throwing 4 touchdown passes against the Commanders on SNF.

Seattle got exceptional performances from their MVP candidate quarterback, their Offensive Player of the Year favorite and an undrafted DB.

According to the latest report from The Athletic’s Michael Silver, it sounds like McCarthy and Darnold’s lack of a relationship had an impact on what Minnesota decided to do. According to the reporter, the two Vikings quarterbacks didn't exactly have a good relationship.

Seattle's weak points were few and far between in their commanding 38-14 blowout. Here are the seven Seahawks that put the nation on watch in Week 9.