Sam Darnold throws 3 TDs as Seattle Seahawks top Arizona Cardinals 39-24 in Week 2

Glendale, AZ - Sam Darnold spread the ball across Seattle's offense, Cooper Kupp delivered a 160-yard receiving performance and the Seahawks steadily created separation in a 39-24 Week 2 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Darnold completed 24 of 38 passes for 358 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a 120.2 passer rating. His longest completion covered 78 yards, matching the longest reception in Kupp's seven-catch performance.

The Seahawks finished with 542 offensive yards, including 358 through the air and 184 on the ground. Arizona produced 372 offensive yards, leaving Seattle with a 170-yard advantage in that category. The Cardinals remained competitive as the game developed, but Seattle maintained the broader advantage and expanded the margin before the finish.

"There were a lot of different ways for us to move the ball," Darnold said. "The biggest thing for us was finishing our opportunities. When we got into scoring position, we came away with touchdowns, and that's what you want from the offense."

Seattle was perfect on four red-zone trips, scoring a touchdown each time. Arizona also converted every red-zone appearance into a touchdown, though the Cardinals reached that area twice. The Seahawks additionally converted 8 of 14 third downs and both of their fourth-down attempts.

Kupp was the leading figure in a deep Seattle receiving group, catching seven passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba provided nine receptions for 91 yards and another score, while A.J. Barner caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown. Together, the trio accounted for all three of Darnold's scoring passes.

"The ball was getting distributed, and everybody had a chance to contribute," Kupp said. "For me, it was about being available and making the most of the opportunities. When the offense can threaten a defense in different areas, it gives everyone a chance to stay involved."

The ground game gave Seattle another productive dimension. Zach Charbonnet carried 20 times for 116 yards, averaging nearly six yards per attempt and breaking a 25-yard run. Jadarian Price added 29 yards on eight carries and scored two rushing touchdowns.

Seattle's statistical edge was evident beyond the yardage totals. The Seahawks recorded 20 first downs to Arizona's 16 and finished with 102 more rushing yards. Their offense generated production through multiple players rather than depending on a single phase throughout the afternoon.

Arizona answered with several productive stretches of its own. Jacoby Brissett completed 24 of 39 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns, posting a 101.4 passer rating. The Cardinals converted 7 of 12 third downs and scored touchdowns on both trips inside the Seattle red zone, but they failed on their only fourth-down attempt.

Marvin Harrison Jr supplied Arizona's biggest receiving numbers with four catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception went for 54 yards. Michael Wilson worked as the Cardinals' volume target, catching 11 passes for 99 yards, while Kendrick Bourne added four receptions and a touchdown.

"We moved the football and had guys producing, but 24 points wasn't enough today," Brissett said. "Seattle put a lot on the board, and we weren't able to match that output. There are things in the passing game we can carry forward, but the result is what matters."

The Cardinals finished with 82 rushing yards. With Arizona trying to reduce the gap and Seattle continuing to answer broadly on offense, the Seahawks avoided allowing the game to develop into a narrow finish.

Seattle's defense recorded one sack and no interceptions, but it was active around Arizona's passing game. Julian Love finished with five pass deflections, while DeMarcus Lawrence and Byron Murphy II were each credited with half a sack.

The victory ultimately belonged to an offense that crossed 500 yards, scored on every red-zone visit and produced five touchdowns between Darnold's passing and Price's rushing. Seattle left Glendale with a 15-point Week 2 win after surpassing Arizona in passing yards, rushing yards, first downs and overall offensive production.

Up Next

The Seattle Seahawks will travel to face the Washington Commanders in Week 3 looking to follow up the victory, while the Arizona Cardinals will try to rebound on the road against the San Francisco 49ers.