AJ Barner has a TD catch and runs for a score in Seahawks' 17-3 win over Cardinals

In a 17-3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, the Seattle Seahawks showcased a stellar performance without their starting quarterback, Sam Darnold. Backup Drew Lock delivered a solid game, completing 19 out of 28 passes for 175 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks' resurgence after a 34-17 home loss to Chicago was evident as they bounced back strongly.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba made an impressive debut, catching seven passes for 51 yards in his second game of the season. He became just the third player in franchise history to achieve three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, joining Steve Largent and Tyler Lockett. Smith-Njigba also became the first NFL receiver to reach 1,000 yards this year.

The Cardinals started with Gardner Minshew at quarterback, replacing Jacoby Brissett who was traded to Baltimore. However, Minshew fell short of making a significant impact, completing only 21 out of 30 passes for 166 yards. The Cardinals suffered their 11th consecutive loss to the Seahawks, struggling to recover from their overtime victory over Dallas.

Darnold was sidelined due to a quad injury suffered in the previous game against the Bears. Additionally, he reportedly cracked a rib early in the match. This absence marked Darnold's first missed game of the season since leading the Seahawks to the Super Bowl title last year. Minshew, on the other hand, led the Cardinals on a drive deep into Seahawks territory, aided by an unnecessary roughness penalty. The drive ended with a 28-yard field goal from Chad Ryland, putting Arizona ahead by three points.

Barner's dominance was highlighted early in the second quarter, as he scored a 1-yard touchdown rushing, his third career rushing touchdown. Seattle further capitalized on a pass interference call, with Smith-Njigba catching an 18-yard reception just before halftime. Barner closed out the scoring with a 7-yard pass after review, solidifying the Seahawks' 17-3 lead.

Lock demonstrated resilience despite dealing with discomfort, moving gingerly after a throw and eventually finding himself in the sideline medical tent. He ultimately played the full game. In a crucial fourth-quarter stop, Seattle halted Minshew's pass attempt to Trey McBride from the 2-yard line.

Arizona DL Roy Lopez suffered a toe injury in the second quarter and was forced to sit out. The Seahawks had already suffered notable injuries prior to the game, including DT Leonard Williams (stinger), WR Rashid Shaheed (knee), and LB Uchenna Nwoso (ankle). The Cardinals will face the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday, while the Seahawks take on the Las Vegas Raiders in their upcoming game.