Backup quarterback Drew Lock threw three touchdowns to Jaxon Smith‑Njigba in Seattle’s 31‑7 win over Arizona, pushing the defending champions to a 2‑0 record. Coach Mike Macdonald says Sam Darnold could be back in practice this week, but his return for next Sunday remains uncertain.
Seattle’s backup quarterback Drew Lock delivered a dominant performance in his first start in nearly two years, throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns – all to wide‑receiver Jaxon Smith‑Njigba – as the Seahawks routed the Arizona Cardinals 31‑7 on Sunday. The victory gave Seattle a 2‑0 start to the 2026 season and extended their winning streak over the Cardinals to ten games dating back to 2022.1
Lock’s preparation paid off early; on the second offensive play he connected with Smith‑Njigba on an 82‑yard strike after the receiver executed a quick double move that left the Cardinals’ secondary scrambling. Smith‑Njigba finished with nine catches for 155 yards and a career‑high three touchdowns, cementing his role as the primary target in Lock’s game plan.1
Coach Mike Macdonald noted that quarterback Sam Darnold, who is recovering from a recent injury, could return to practice this week and did not rule out his availability for next Sunday’s matchup. However, the timeline for Darnold’s return has shifted dramatically, and the Seahawks have opted to keep Lock in the starting role for now.3
The Seahawks’ defense also played a crucial part, limiting Arizona to just 151 total yards and forcing the Cardinals into their eighth straight home loss, a streak that has now lasted 360 days.1 Seattle’s early-season dominance, combined with Lock’s poise and Smith‑Njigba’s explosive playmaking, suggests the defending Super Bowl champions could remain competitive even without Darnold at the helm.1
As the team looks ahead, the coaching staff will monitor Darnold’s progress while Lock continues to earn praise for his preparation and execution, keeping Seattle’s offense firing on all cylinders.3