The Seahawks head to Arizona in Week 2 with the title-defense rolling on and a backup quarterback at the controls. Sam Darnold is still out after missing most of the opener with a right glute injury, which means Drew Lock gets the start in a road divisional matchup against the Cardinals.
That setup brings a little unpredictability with it, and this one has the feel of a game where a few specific swings could decide everything. Here are four bold Seahawks predictions for Sunday.
Drew Lock pushes past 200 passing yards
Lock opened the season with 187 passing yards against the New England Patriots, and that was while Brian Fleury kept the reins tight. The expectation here is that the second week brings a much bigger number.
Arizona did a strong job on Justin Herbert in Week 1, but that came after an offseason of preparation for one opponent. This is a different challenge, and the Cardinals won’t have the same kind of tailored plan for Seattle’s backup.
There were also some execution issues on both sides in Week 1, and Lock’s willingness to attack downfield should create chances for chunk gains. If Seattle opens things up even a little, 200 yards feels well within reach.
Jadarian Price gets the edge over Jeremiyah Love
Jeremiyah Love may have been the first running back taken, but this matchup points the other way. Love is still the backup, while Jadarian Price is the one climbing the depth chart.
Love’s debut was solid enough, but not exactly explosive. He finished with 11 carries for 41 yards, a 3.7-yard average, and only got into the end zone once.
Price, meanwhile, should be in line for a larger workload after missing the preseason and getting more time to settle into the offense. With Darnold still sidelined, there’s even more reason to expect him to matter in Week 2.
Seattle forces four turnovers
This is the kind of game where the Seahawks’ defense can take over. They have the best defense in the game, and the return of Nick Emmanwori only adds to the pressure.
Jacoby Brissett is stepping into a tough spot, and Arizona’s offensive line, even with improvement, still has work to do. That leaves room for Seattle’s pass rush to make noise, including at least one strip-sack. A punch-out in the run game also looks very possible.
And then there’s the secondary, which has been a nightmare for quarterbacks and should keep that reputation intact. With Brissett’s limitations and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s unimpressive route-running, multiple interceptions feel like part of the script.
Jalen Milroe gets on the field
This is the wild card, and it could happen for one of two reasons: Seattle is cruising, or Brian Fleury decides to reach deep into the playbook.
Milroe hasn’t looked great when given chances, but his athleticism and dual-threat ability make him a player worth watching if he gets into the game. That could come late if the Seahawks are up big, or it could show up in a few trick looks.
It might not always be clean, but it would be hard to ignore if he’s out there.
In Other News...
Sam Darnold Recovery Gives Seahawks Fans Real Reason For Relief
Sam Darnolds glute injury has been one of the early tests of Seattles first month, but the Seahawks have reason to feel better about where things stand now. After hurting himself in Week 1, Darnold has reportedly progressed faster than expected, and the club has already handled the first stretch without him well enough to buy time.
According to NFL Networks Ian Rapoport, Darnold could be back on the practice field in the coming week, with Week 4 looking like the likeliest target for his return to game action. Week 3 remains a possibility, though a less likely one, and Seattle now gets a brief run of games before it has to decide exactly how soon it wants its quarterback back under center. [Read more 🡒]
Brady Russell May Be Giving Seahawks Offense Something It Didn't Have
Brady Russells role with the Seahawks has changed quickly, and not just because he was already known as a useful special teams piece. With Robbie Ouzts on injured reserve, Russell has stepped in as Seattles fullback, and the season opener offered a first look at how the offense might use him there. He played a career-high 17 offensive snaps in Week 1 and even chipped in as a receiver, catching two passes for 20 yards.
For a Seattle offense that has been searching for more flexibility in certain packages, Russells ability to handle multiple jobs could matter sooner rather than later. Mike Macdonald singled out Russells versatility and his showing in the opener, which is a good sign for a player who may now have a larger lane into the game plan. The bigger question is how far that role can grow as the Seahawks keep adjusting without Ouzts. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Defense Faces An Unexpected Cardinals Threat This Week
Jacoby Brissetts quick release is already giving the Seahawks a specific problem to solve this week, and it starts with the ball coming out before the rush can fully arrive. Arizona has leaned heavily on Brissetts timing passing, and no connection has mattered more than the one he has built with tight end Trey McBride. The Seahawks will be spending plenty of prep time trying to make that rhythm harder to find, because once it gets rolling, the Cardinals offense can stay on schedule in a hurry.
McBride has been Brissetts most reliable target so far, including a massive 13-target outing in Week 1, and that volume is exactly why Seattle has to treat this as more than a normal matchup issue. The Seahawks know the path to slowing Arizona runs through taking away the easy throws and disrupting the quarterback-tight end pairing before it can dictate the game. If they cant do that, Brissetts comfort throwing quickly could turn one of the weeks quieter storylines into a real test for the defense. [Read more 🡒]