The Seattle Seahawks barely had to break a sweat in Week 2.
The team easily dispatched of the division rival Arizona Cardinals, winning 31-7. It was another elite defensive performance by the best unit in the league, and the offense did enough, even without Sam Darnold, to keep this game well out of reach.
In my opinion, we’ve seen nothing from the Seahawks that implies they aren’t the best team in the league. They have the best defense and the best wide receiver in the game. Easily winning games without Darnold proves that this team is different.
Let’s see if the notable power rankings agree with me.
Where the Seahawks Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
- NFL.com: 1 (=)
- Sports Illustrated: 1 (=)
- ESPN: 2 (=)
- CBS Sports: 1 (=)
What National Pundits Are Saying About the Seahawks’ Power Ranking
“Who needs Sam Darnold when you have Drew Lock?! Jokes aside, Lock was excellent in his first start in place of Darnold, dicing up the Cardinals with a fearless style of play that should both endear him to Seahawks fans and help them worry less about the absence of their starting quarterback. Pairing Lock and Co. with the Dark Side defense worked incredibly well for one week and keeps the defending champs atop the Power Rankings.” – Nick Shook (NFL.com)
“The stat about the Seahawks holding the Cardinals without a pass of more than 10 yards for the first time in Cardinals history since the strike year in 1987 is so wild. And, with Drew Lock having a lights-out day in that offense, we get closer to having The Darnold Conversation.” – Conor Orr (SI)
“Drew Lock is one of the NFL’s best backup QBs.
He’s not the same player who turned the ball over 25 times in 24 games over his first three seasons in Denver. Or the one who couldn’t beat out Geno Smith after a trade to Seattle in 2022. Lock has gotten plenty of help from receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Seattle’s defense, but he has also played like a starter. Since stepping in for an injured Sam Darnold one series into the season opener, Lock has completed almost 73% of his passes, with four touchdowns, zero turnovers and only two sacks. His Total QBR of 86.4 ranks fourth.” – Brady Henderson (ESPN)
“The sign of a good team is one that can go on the road and win with a backup quarterback. Drew Lock did a really nice job in beating Arizona.” – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports)
Seahawks Haven’t Missed a Beat Despite Injuries
The Seahawks have been without their starting quarterback and two starting safeties and are still 2-0. How many other teams in the league do you think could do that? I’d say not many.
I really don’t understand how anybody could have a team other than the Seahawks at No. 1. The team has the best defense, a great offense, a solid coaching staff, and they’re the reigning Super Bowl champions. The team just keeps winning no matter who is out or who their opponent is.
