Seahawks 31, Cardinals 7: Lock-to-JSN Connection Rules

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals 31-7 on Sunday at State Farm Stadium, with Drew Lock and Jaxon Smith-Njigba connecting for all three Seattle touchdown passes as the Seahawks improved to 2-0.

Seattle took control early, opening a 7-0 lead in the first quarter before Arizona answered with its only touchdown of the afternoon in the second. The game was still within reach at halftime, but the Seahawks owned the final 30 minutes. Seattle scored 10 points in the third quarter, then added 14 more in the fourth to turn a competitive NFC West road game into a convincing Week 2 result.

Lock was efficient and aggressive when opportunities presented themselves, finishing 19/26 for 235 yards and 3 TD. The Seahawks quarterback consistently found Smith-Njigba, who supplied the game’s defining performance with 9 receptions, 155 yards and 3 TD. Smith-Njigba accounted for every Seattle receiving touchdown and repeatedly gave Lock a dependable target as Seattle built separation after halftime.

The Cardinals had their best stretch in the second quarter, when they erased Seattle’s opening advantage and reached the break down just one score. But Arizona could not generate another point after halftime. Seattle’s defense held the Cardinals scoreless through the third and fourth quarters, putting the offense in favorable control of the game script.

That control showed up on the ground as well. Emanuel Wilson carried 21 times for 92 yards, giving Seattle a steady rushing option and helping the visitors keep the offense balanced. Wilson did not find the end zone, but his workload mattered as the Seahawks protected their lead and kept Arizona from finding the possessions it needed to mount a comeback.

Key Performers

Drew Lock, Seahawks: 19/26, 235 YDS, 3 TD. Lock delivered three scoring throws without forcing Seattle into a pass-heavy script, efficiently directing an offense that scored in three of four quarters.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks: 9 REC, 155 YDS, 3 TD. Smith-Njigba was the clear difference-maker, producing two-thirds of Lock’s passing yardage and all three of his touchdown throws.

Emanuel Wilson, Seahawks: 21 CAR, 92 YDS. His 21 carries helped Seattle manage the second half, particularly after the Seahawks reclaimed momentum in the third quarter.

NerdSports Stat: Smith-Njigba’s three touchdown receptions produced 18 of Seattle’s 31 points, or 58.1% of the Seahawks’ scoring.

Seattle’s 24-0 second-half edge was the story in Glendale. The Seahawks did not need overtime, a late two-minute drill, or a last-possession field goal; instead, they tightened their grip after halftime and finished off a complete road victory. For Arizona, the lone second-quarter touchdown was not enough to overcome an offense that went quiet once the game reached the third quarter.

The Seahawks now sit at 2-0 and carry early momentum into next week’s home matchup with the Washington Commanders. The Cardinals fall to 1-1 and will look to regroup quickly before hosting the San Francisco 49ers, another important early test in the division race.

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