While it's still early in the season, the Seattle Seahawks can't afford any more setbacks if they want to defend their crown. That especially means taking down teams below their weight class, like the Arizona Cardinals.
The Seahawks won't have Sam Darnold on the field in this one, but this won't be the first time that has happened this season. Admittedly, that's far from ideal for a team looking to bounce back from a tough loss, but the Seahawks are one of the few teams that can actually lean on their backup QB.
Mike Macdonald and company have to get creative to fix what's broken. And while we can always expect big games from their defense and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, these four players stepping up might not be on many people's bingo cards.
4 Seattle Seahawks players who will surprise everyone in Week 9
Jadarian Price
The Seahawks got Jadarian Price back from Injured Reserve last week, but the rookie couldn't find much ground against the Chicago Bears' stout defensive front. He had 29 rushing yards on 10 carries and two catches for 18 receiving yards.
That said, he should be better in his second game back and against a lesser run defense. With Quenton Nelson moving guys out of the way, he should be able to build on his 13-carry, 52-yard performance against them in Week 2. It's about time he scores his first touchdown.
Mike Morris
The Seahawks lost Leonard Williams midway through the loss to the Bears. He left with a stinger and didn't return, and he's still listed as questionable. Even if he does play, we might be in for a heavier dose of Mike Morris in this one.
The second-year defensive end played the bulk of the snaps after Williams left the field and even recorded a sack. He also had four total tackles (three solo) and made the most of a season-high 26 snaps.
AJ Barner
The Cardinals' defense has struggled to contain pass-catching tight ends this season. George Kittle had 6 catches, 82 yards, and two touchdowns; Sam LaPorta had five catches, 88 yards, and a touchdown; and the Giants' TEs combined for nine receptions, 77 yards, and a touchdown.
AJ Barner has had a somewhat disappointing season, given the sky-high expectations coming out of training camp. He was held to one catch for eight yards in the previous meeting, but he should be more involved this time.
Drew Lock
While this will continue to be Sam Darnold's team, going from him to Drew Lock was actually an upgrade early in the season. The Seahawks' backup balled out and took much better care of the football than the actual starter.
Lock already led the team to a 31-7 blowout against them, completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns, all to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Cardinals are giving up the most points per game in the league at 29.8, so this could be another showdown for Lock.
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