INGLEWOOD, Calif — This is a family paper, so the quote is edited, but you can probably figure it out.

When Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV was asked about quarterback Sam Darnold after Seattle's 21-19 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, he went full CeeLo Green.

Darnold had four interceptions in the defeat, all of which were his fault. But Jones wanted to make clear that the result wasn't on Sam — emphasizing that the signal caller has kept the Seahawks (7-3) in every game this season.

What do you say to a quarterback when he's not having his best day?

"Sam's a baller," Jones said. "He's our quarterback, we got his back, and if you got anything to say, quite frankly, (expletive) you."

Gulp. Here goes.

There is little doubt that the Seahawks QB1 had been playing at an MVP level heading into Sunday's matchup with the Rams. Darnold had the top grade among quarterbacks on analytics site Pro Football Focus, was first in QBR as well, and had the NFL's No. 2 passer rating — thanks largely in part to his league-best 9.9 yards per attempt. But he also had a reputation — fair or not — that he stumbles in the biggest moments. Sunday only amplified that perception.

Last season, Darnold put together a Pro Bowl campaign with the Vikings, who won 14 of their first 16 games. It was one of the more notable storylines in the league given his struggles through his first six years. But in the regular-season finale vs. the Lions, with a division title and a first-round bye on the line? He went 18 for 41 for 166 yards in a 31-9 loss. And in the opening-round playoff game vs. the Rams one week later? He took nine sacks in a 27-9 loss.

That two-game stretch slapped a label on Sam that he sizzles against the middling teams and fizzles vs. the elite. That label remains.

After all, the Seahawks had a chance to take sole possession of first place in the NFC West with a win over the Rams (8-2) at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. It seemed achievable, too, given their four-game winning streak and second-best point differential in the NFL.

But on his second drop-back of the game, Darnold threw a pass into the hands of Rams safety Kamren Kinchens at the Seahawks' 34. The Rams scored a touchdown to go up 7-0 on the following possession.

It was hardly a game-ender, as the Seahawks played tight the rest of the half and went into the locker room down 14-9 after three Jason Myers field goals.

Their first possession of the third quarter, though? Darnold threw into tight coverage and was picked off by cornerback Cobie Durant at Seattle's 36. The Seahawks got the ball back on a forced fumble two plays later, so no harm done. But when Darnold threw a pass into Kinchens' gloves on the next possession, there was a whole heap of harm. The Rams, starting from Seattle's 27, scored a touchdown four plays later to go ahead 21-12.

Still, with over 14 minutes remaining in the game, a comeback was conceivable. Then, trying to avoid a sack to stay within field-goal range, Darnold threw his fourth interception — this time to cornerback Darious Williams, who returned it 18 yards to the Seahawks’ 49.

Amazingly, the Seahawks forced two straight three-and-outs and cut the lead to two points via an 84-yard touchdown drive that Darnold engineered. Less than a minute later, they got the ball back on their own 1 trailing 21-19 with 1:41 left. Sam was able to move the ball down to L.A.'s 43, but Myers missed the 61-yard attempt that would have given the Seahawks the win.

Valiant effort, and an admirable mental regroup by Darnold — who finished 29 of 44 for 279 yards and no TDs. But the loss still fell on him.

"I gotta be better personally," said Darnold, who's tied with Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the most turnovers in the NFL (14). "I gotta not turn the ball over. It's as simple as that. I gotta do my job, protect the football, get the ball downfield, put the ball in the end zone, and I feel like we'll always be in a position to win the football game if I just do that."

Through 10 games, Darnold has soared above expectations and has proved to be a clear upgrade over his predecessor, Geno Smith. Without his play, Seattle isn't in contention for a division title or playoff berth. And the fact that the Seahawks even had a chance to win against a daunting Rams team on the road is a testament to them having one of the best defenses in football. But they're going to need their quarterback when the lights are brightest.

Asked after the game what his message to Darnold was, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said "Keep ripping it, man. We love you and we've got your back."

There's no reason for them not, too. Darnold has had a stellar year.

This game won't have any effect on him taking reps with the ones. It does, however, have an effect on his rep.

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