PITTSBURGH -- In a thrilling Week 2 matchup, the Seattle Seahawks secured a decisive 31-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of quarterback Sam Darnold. The game, held at Acrisure Stadium, highlighted Darnold's ability to execute offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system with precision and flair.

Key Moments from the Game

1. Darnold's Scramble and Precision Pass With less than seven minutes remaining and the Seahawks leading 24-17, Darnold faced a critical third-and-9 from their own 28-yard line. Under pressure from blitzing linebacker Patrick Queen, Darnold spun out of the pocket, scrambled to his left, and delivered a perfect 19-yard pass to tight end AJ Barner. This play not only kept the drive alive but also shifted the momentum firmly in Seattle's favor.

2. Deep Shot to Jaxon Smith-Njigba On the subsequent play, Kubiak called for a deep pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who made an impressive 43-yard catch. This set up Kenneth Walker III's 19-yard touchdown run, which effectively sealed the game for the Seahawks.

3. Walker's Dominant Running Kenneth Walker III was a force to be reckoned with, rushing for 118 yards on 14 carries, including a crucial 20-yard run that led to a field goal. His late-game touchdown run was a testament to his explosive speed and ability to break tackles.

Darnold's Overall Performance

Darnold finished the game with 295 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His ability to spread the ball around was evident, with multiple receivers making significant contributions. Cooper Kupp had 90 receiving yards, rookie Tory Horton scored on his first NFL catch, and AJ Barner added a touchdown to his key third-down reception.

Defensive Standout

Seattle's defense also played a pivotal role, holding Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers to just 267 total yards. Despite missing key players in the secondary, the Seahawks' defense proved to be a formidable unit, complementing the offense's resurgence.

Looking Ahead

The Seahawks now look forward to hosting the New Orleans Saints in Week 3, carrying the momentum from this impressive win. With Darnold at the helm and a balanced attack on both sides of the ball, Seattle is poised to make a strong push in the NFC.

"That's the Sam we know and love," said head coach Mike Macdonald. "He's done it his whole career, and he's doing it for us now. It's exciting to see where this team is headed."