Is A QB Controversy Brewing For The Seahawks?

Do the Seattle Seahawks have a quarterback controversy brewing after just nine games into the season?

That is what is currently being asked, as Sam Darnold has continued his regular season form of having a lot of turnovers.

He's already thrown nine interceptions in just seven games, while Drew Lock, who has now stepped in twice for Sam due to injury, has played turnover-free football, and Seattle has been winning games.

And the starting quarterback controversy, while in its early stages, is beginning to become a thing.

For Seattle Sports' Bob Shelton, right now, if the Seahawks had a game to save their season, he's taking Lock over Darnold.

"You got a game, you win, you're in the postseason, you lose, season's over, both quarterbacks are 100% healthy, I think I'm leaning toward Drew right now," Shelton said. "Maybe that's recency bias, but the turnover rate was so high for Sam. He's thrown a pick in every single game he's played this year.

"I just have more faith that he's [Lock] going to take care of the ball, that he's not going to put the ball in harm's way. I don't have that with Sam right now."

READ MORE:  Seahawks Vs. Raiders: Trade Means Changes For Week 10 Clash

Lock has been the starter twice this season and came in after five plays in Week 1, and has thrown 5 TDs and hasn't had an interception, while completing 71.1 percent of his passes.

He is set to start again on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, and for Shelton, he thinks if Lock goes out and plays well with no turnovers, it's going to create a lot of tension at the quarterback position.

"The problem I see is if Lock goes out there this weekend and he plays really well again, plays turnover-free football, they win the game, I think it just lights a fire under that debate," he added. "I think it makes life really hard if Sam comes back and he's the starter. He's got no margin for error."

READ MORE:  Seahawks QB Situation Takes Another Hit With Latest Sam Darnold News

And I think Shelton is right.

It at least has to be a conversation, doesn't it? 

Lock has played well, hasn't turned the ball over, and Seattle wins. Darnold? He's a turnover machine, and Seattle has looked disjointed with him as the starter.

That's not to say that he can't turn it around, because last season's playoff run is evidence that he can.

But right now, a conversation is starting to churn beneath the waves about who should be the starter, and once you start thinking about it, it won't take much for the quarterback controversy to take on a life of its own.