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Seahawks Dominate Week 2: A Deep Dive into PFF's Highs and Lows

Unpacking the PFF Grades: Who Soared and Who Faced a Challenge for the Seahawks in Week 2

The Seattle Seahawks kicked off their season with a stellar 2-0 start after a convincing win over the Arizona Cardinals. But which players truly stood out, and who had a tougher day at the office, according to Pro Football Focus?

What a weekend it was for the Seattle Seahawks! Our boys in blue and green delivered a truly dominant performance against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season, marching to a resounding 31-7 victory. This commanding win, as published by Randy Gurzi for SI.com, wasn't just impressive on the scoreboard; it pushed the Seahawks' record to a pristine 2-0, igniting optimism across the 12th Man faithful. But as we all know, even in a blowout, individual performances can vary wildly. That's where Pro Football Focus (PFF) comes in, offering a meticulous look at who excelled and who might be looking for a bit more redemption.

Let's dive right into the good stuff, shall we? These are the players who absolutely lit it up and earned the highest marks from PFF in that Week 2 contest. Talk about stepping up when it matters most!

The High-Fliers: Seahawks' Top 5 Graded Performers

First up, and probably no surprise to anyone who watched the game, is wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who earned an astonishing 91.6 PFF grade. What a coming-out party for the young man! He was simply unguardable, hauling in 9 receptions for a staggering 155 yards and an incredible three touchdowns. He was a force, a true game-changer, making every catch look effortless.

Right on his heels, with a fantastic 91.4 grade, was quarterback Drew Lock. Filling big shoes, Lock was incredibly efficient and composed, completing 19 of his 26 passes for 235 yards and matching Smith-Njigba's three touchdown passes. He looked sharp, confident, and very much in command, proving he's more than capable of leading this offense when called upon.

On the defensive side, cornerback Devon Witherspoon continued to be a spark plug, earning an 86.2 grade. He was everywhere, making plays with 8 tackles and adding a tackle for loss. His energy and aggressive play style are just infectious, making a noticeable difference in disrupting the Cardinals' attack.

Safety Julian Love also showed why he's such a valuable asset, scoring a 79.2. What's truly impressive is his knack for the football; he intercepted a pass for the second consecutive game! That kind of consistent ball-hawking ability is a dream for any defensive coordinator.

Rounding out our top five is linebacker Ernest Jones IV with a solid 74.5 grade. Jones was a tackling machine, contributing 8 tackles and helping anchor the defense against the run. His steady presence is often understated but absolutely crucial for the team's success.

Now, while it's always fun to celebrate the standout performances, football is a tough sport, and not every player has a flawless day. PFF also highlights those who, despite the team's overall success, found themselves struggling a bit more. It's a testament to the team's depth and collective effort that they could still dominate even with some players having a tougher outing.

Room for Improvement: Seahawks' Bottom 5 Graded Performers

At the bottom of the list, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed received a 46.6 grade. While he managed 3 receptions for 35 yards, it was a relatively quiet day for him, and one he'll undoubtedly be looking to improve upon in the weeks to come.

On the defensive line, defensive tackle Rylie Mills came in with a 50.4 grade. The interior line often does the dirty work, but PFF's numbers suggest he wasn't as disruptive as hoped for this particular game.

Guard Grey Zabel also had a challenging day, earning a 51.0 grade. Offensive linemen, especially guards, are often tasked with tough assignments, and sometimes the individual battles just don't go your way.

Safety Rodney Thomas II, who was filling in for the injured Ty Okada, received a 51.5. Stepping into a starting role, particularly mid-game or as a direct replacement, can be incredibly tough, and he likely faced some steep challenges against the Cardinals' offense.

Finally, running back Jadarian Price was graded at 52.0. Price had 52 yards on 13 attempts, showing some flashes, but unfortunately, he also committed a fumble and had to leave the game due to injury. It was a mixed bag of a day, cut short by an unfortunate turn of events. His injury, of course, led to Emanuel Wilson stepping up admirably in his place, showcasing that 'next man up' mentality.

A Few Head-Scratchers and Looking Ahead

Interestingly, some players had impactful stat lines but didn't necessarily crack the PFF top five. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams, for example, despite racking up six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack, received a 65.8 grade. It really makes you wonder sometimes how those PFF algorithms work, doesn't it? His on-field production certainly felt higher than that number suggests!

Looking ahead, the Seahawks are in a fantastic position at 2-0, and they'll be heavily favored in Week 3 as they prepare to face the 0-2 Washington Commanders. The Commanders are reeling a bit, especially after losing their starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels, to an elbow injury. This presents another excellent opportunity for the Seahawks to continue building momentum and solidifying their place atop the division. It's going to be exciting to watch!

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