Field Gulls
Week 4 of the NFL season begins with the first of two Thursday Night Football appearances for the Seattle Seahawks. Their road TNF game is at the Arizona Cardinals, who lost to the San Francisco 49ers last week. Seattle’s lone defeat was to a healthier 49ers team in Week 1, but nevertheless both teams are 2-1 and looking to avoid a dreaded 0-2 NFC West start in the division. The 12s will surely be heard loud and clear in Glendale, which has been a home away from home for Seahawks fans given the consistent track record of winning at State Farm Stadium. Let’s keep that annual tradition going this year!
Let’s review last week’s predictions, which were not very good but I don’t care when the game is won that comfortably.
Bold prediction: The Seahawks go turnover-free at home for once
Almost. George Holani fumbled late and tore up my prediction.
Seahawks offense prediction: Elijah Arroyo gets his first NFL touchdown
The wait continues.
Seahawks defense prediction: Riq Woolen picks off Spencer Rattler
Did I say Riq? I meant Derion Kendrick. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
Opposition prediction: Alvin Kamara goes for over 100 yards (again)
Not even close, thankfully.
Game prediction: Seahawks win comfortably, but maybe less so given the injuries
I originally said 31-13 and changed it to 27-16. I should’ve stuck to my original pick since it was closer to the actual score.
The Cardinals haven’t even broken 300 yards of offense, but they’ve hit a minimum 260 in their three previous games. They’re reeling with the loss of James Conner and it’s possible that offensive coordinator Drew Petzing’s job is in jeopardy. If offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr can’t go then their offensive line takes a big hit. Kyler Murray hasn’t been bad but he hasn’t been outstanding, which I think accurately sums up much of his NFL career.
Seattle’s defense is playing at a very high level and this unit is getting Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon back. The run defense has been stout and while the pass rush could be better at finishing off plays by generating sacks, the pressure rate has been outstanding. We’re even seeing good play out of depth players like Ty Okada, D’Anthony Bell, and Derion Kendrick, which is always a bonus.
I believe the Seahawks will make a big statement tonight and hold Arizona below the 200-yard mark, something that hasn’t happened to Arizona with Kyler Murray as starter since his rookie season back in 2019.
The only reason JSN didn’t get over 100 yards in the Saints game was because it was extended garbage time and there was no need for him to be involved in the fourth quarter. His 323 yards is the best three-game start for any Seahawks receiver in franchise history. JSN only had seven plays of 20+ yards...
