Sam Darnold, Seahawks Impress NFL Fans with TNF Win After Kyler, Cardinals Comeback

It came down to a field goal as Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks went into the desert and came away with a hard-fought Thursday night win, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 23–20 at State Farm Stadium to improve to 3–1 on the season.

Darnold completed 18-of-26 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown, finding AJ Barner for a scoring strike. Barner finished with 32 yards receiving. Zach Charbonnet added a rushing touchdown as part of a 39-yard performance on the ground, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba chipped in with 79 yards on four receptions.

Seattle's offense was balanced and efficient, and its defense came through with timely stops to keep Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in check.

Murray finished 27-of-41 for 200 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emari Demercado for scores.

With the win, Seattle remains in the early NFC West hunt, while Arizona drops to 2–2.

Fans praised Darnold and Seattle after their gritty win over Arizona on Thursday:

The first quarter got off to a crazy start as Murray threw an interception, snagged by Seattle's Coby Bryant — who then fumbled on the return. Cardinals running back Trey Benson recovered, setting up Arizona's first points: a 33-yard Chad Ryland field goal. Seattle answered on the next play with a touchdown to take a 7–3 lead into the second.

Murray threw his second interception in the second quarter and Seattle capitalized with another touchdown. The Seahawks held Arizona scoreless the rest of the half, taking a 14–3 lead into the break.

Out of halftime, the Cardinals controlled the third quarter with two field goals — including a 57-yard bomb from Ryland — while the defense kept Seattle off the board. Arizona trailed 17–6 heading into the fourth.

Seattle opened the final quarter with a scoring drive, but Murray hit Harrison Jr. in response to close the gap. After a missed Seahawks field goal, Arizona marched downfield and tied the game with a touchdown pass to Demercado with 28 seconds left.

A kickoff that fell short of the landing zone gave Seattle a shortened field, and Darnold took advantage, hitting Smith-Njigba for a 22-yard gain to put the Seahawks in immediate field goal range for the 44-yard game-winner.

Seattle will have an extended break before hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 5.