The Seattle Seahawks certainly don't believe they're in a deep hole after Sam Darnold's first-quarter injury against the New England Patriots. In fact, considering the statements from head coach Mike Macdonald and wide receiver Cooper Kupp, the confidence in Drew Lock is incredibly high. That should mean Seattle is just fine if Darnold has to miss the next two games.
It could be a premature form of confidence, though. Lock hasn't exactly lived up to expectations since coming out of college seven years ago, when the Denver Broncos drafted him in the second round. Maybe Lock was always bound to be a career backup, but after time in Denver, then with the New York Giants, and now with the Seahawks (again), Lock has a great opportunity in front of him.
The question is: what will he do with that opportunity for at least the next Seahawks game, and possibly more? Reporting out of Seattle says Darnold will miss at least the Seahawks' next game against the Arizona Cardinals, which means Lock will be under center again.
The Seattle Seahawks should be fine without Sam Darnold for Weeks 2 and 3
If you are anyone on the Seahawks, this is no hole they find themselves in. In fact, to win in Week 2, Darnold likely isn't necessary.
Darnold may miss more than just one game against the Cardinals. If his hip injury keeps him out longer than one week, the Seahawks will have Lock at quarterback against the Washington Commanders in Week 3, and possibly even against the Los Angeles Chargers. Darnold's absence against the Chargers may be more challenging.
Against the Cardinals and Commanders, though, two wins with Lock in at quarterback is entirely doable. All of this is to say, Darnold may not be needed for Seattle to start this season 3-0. Even a loss to the Chargers wouldn't be terrible, making the Seahawks 3-1. There's no reason to panic if you're a Seahawks fan.
Another question is: what should Seattle do when Darnold is close to returning? Do they rush him back if Lock is underperforming and they do lose to the Cardinals or Commanders? What if Lock is on a roll? Is it best to give Darnold every week possible to get back to 100%?
The worst thing that could happen for both Darnold and the Seahawks is for him to return at less than 100% and reinjure his hip.
Whether they're winning or not, they can't lose Darnold for more time than they already have. For now, the focus is on the Cardinals, who have notched just one measly victory over the Seahawks in their last 11 meetings. To make matters worse for the Cardinals, they're projected to be the worst team in the NFL this season.
If Lock isn't able to put up points against Arizona, it won't look good. Thankfully for Lock, his head coach publicly stated how much confidence he has in him, and Lock also has support from his teammates. As a career backup quarterback, these levels of support can do a lot for personal confidence and belief in themselves.
If the Seahawks defense wasn't as crushingly elite as it is, Seattle might be in a hole. Lock can be grateful for the defense he has behind him, just as Darnold has been thankful for a season.
Barring a complete shock against Arizona and Washington, the Seahawks have no reason to panic at quarterback. It shouldn't be a surprise if, come Week 4 against the Chargers, the Seahawks remain undefeated.
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