Seahawks Cruise Past Cardinals Behind Lock-to-Smith-Njigba Connection.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Drew Lock made the most of his opportunity as Seattle’s starting quarterback, throwing three touchdown passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the Seahawks pulled way from the Arizona Cardinals for a 31-7 victory Sunday. Lock, making his first start in nearly two years, completed an efficient performance with 235 passing yards. All three of his touchdown passes went to Smith-Njigba, who turned in a career-best outing with nine receptions for 155 yards. The victory extended Seattle’s dominance in the NFC West matchup, with the Seahawks winning their 10th consecutive game against Arizona dating back to 2022. Seattle also controlled the game defensively, holding the Cardinals to just 151 total yards. Smith-Njigba gave the Seahawks an immediate spark. On Seattle’s second offensive play, Lock found the fourth-year receiver behind the Arizona secondary for an 82-yard touchdown, putting Seattle ahead 7-0. Arizona answered early in the second quarter. Jacoby Brissett connected with Trey McBride for a 2-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7.

The Cardinals had difficulty generating offense for the remainder of the afternoon. Brissett finished with 95 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception, while rookie running back Jeremiyah Love managed only 29 rushing yards. Seattle regained control after halftime. A key sequence began when Rashid Shaheed fumbled a kickoff return, but Chazz Surratt recovered the loose ball and advanced it 35 yards to the Arizona 37-yard line. The Seahawks later turned the favorable field position into a Jason Myers field goal. Julian Love then intercepted Brissett on Arizona’s next possession, making a sliding grab just before the ball reached the ground. Myers followed with a 33-yard field goal, giving Seattle a 17-7 advantage. Lock and Smith-Njigba continued their connection from there. Early in the third quarter, Lock found Smith-Njigba on a crossing route for a 7-yard touchdown, extending Seattle’s lead to 14-7. The receiver added his third touchdown early in the fourth quarter, hauling in a 12-yard pass from Lock to put the Seahawks ahead 24-7.

Seattle added another score to complete the 31-point performance. For Smith-Njigba, the game marked one of the strongest performances of his young career. His three touchdown receptions were a career high, and he repeatedly found openings against an Arizona defense that struggled to contain him. Lock said his preparation increased throughout the week after taking over for Sam Darnold, who suffered a glute injury in Seattle’s season opener against New England. “I just tried to be as prepared as I could,” Lock said after the game. Darnold remains in the team's plans, with coach Mike Macdonald saying the quarterback is progressing and could potentially return next weekend against Washington.

For now, Seattle has shown it can turn to Lock without missing a beat.

“Really proud of Drew, really happy for him,” Macdonald said. “We're on record about how we feel about him and he backed that up today.”

The Seahawks improved to 2-0 with the victory, while Arizona fell to 1-1 after opening the season with a road win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Injuries

Seahawks: Defensive lineman Brandon Pili was evaluated for a concussion. Running back Jadarian Price left the game with a chest injury.

Cardinals: Cornerback Max Melton left with a toe injury, while cornerback Will Johnson exited with a neck injury.

Up Next

Seahawks: Visit the Washington Commanders next Sunday.

Cardinals: Travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers next Sunday.