Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock emphasized ball security and distributing to playmakers as he prepares to start against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at State Farm Stadium with Sam Darnold sidelined by a glute injury. "The biggest thing for us ... is taking care of the football," Lock said Thursday. "Getting the ball in our playmakers' hands, letting our defense go be our defense, take care of the football, win the turnover differential."

Lock stepped in during Week 1 after Darnold's injury on the fifth play, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown with zero turnovers in a 13-10 win over the New England Patriots. His touchdown came on a short fourth-down throw to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who raced 45 yards to the end zone. Lock's throws averaged 6.0 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, 2.0 yards shorter than Darnold's 2025 average.

Seattle's defense, which allowed a league-low 16.4 points per game in 2025, intercepted Drake Maye three times. The Seahawks are 11-0 in the regular season when winning the turnover battle under coach Mike Macdonald since 2024. Macdonald said the team does not anticipate placing Darnold on injured reserve, suggesting a return within three weeks. Lock, 29, has a 10-18 career record as a starter.

Receiver Tory Horton practiced fully for a second straight day Thursday after missing the opener with a hamstring injury, while Cooper Kupp upgraded to full participation after a back issue. Seattle has won nine straight against the Cardinals and is 11-1-1 at State Farm Stadium since 2013.