Field Gulls
The Seattle Seahawks remain atop the NFC West and have another crucial game ahead. The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers face each other, while Seattle takes on the Arizona Cardinals. It’s worth noting that the Seahawks’ earlier win over Arizona is what currently keeps them in first place.
A loss would drop Seattle to 1-2 in division play, with two games left against the Rams and one against the 49ers. The Seahawks can’t afford to stumble against the Cardinals (as they’ve done in past seasons), especially with tough matchups against the Minnesota Vikings defense and the Indianapolis Colts still to come.
Let’s go!
Seattle beat Arizona in Week 4 with a last-minute field goal. Both teams look very different now. To start, Kyler Murray is on IR and will likely be with another franchise next season. Jacoby Brissett has taken over and has led the offense more efficiently than Murray.
On defense, rookie Walter Nolen has stepped into a starting role, and his presence has significantly boosted the Cardinals’ defensive line. The secondary also improves with Garrett Williams returning. On offense, Will Hernandez, while not in top form, is still an upgrade over Isaiah Adams. Zay Jones missed the first matchup, and the backfield will now be shared between Bam Knight and Emari Demercado.
Seattle will likely be without two key defensive players: Julian Love (IR) and Ernest Jones. Cooper Kupp and Tory Horton might miss the game or play below 100%. On the other hand, the team will debut Rashid Shaheed, and also get back DeMarcus Lawrence (who played just 10 snaps in the first meeting) and Nick Emmanwori, who has greatly strengthened the defense.
The Cardinals were the only team that managed to contain Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He didn’t record a catch in the entire first half and finished with a season-low 79 yards — one of only two games where he failed to surpass 100. Still, his receptions came at key moments that helped secure the win.
As mentioned, Arizona’s secondary should be stronger now with Williams back. The Commanders tried double coverage on JSN, which opened the door for touchdowns by Horton and Elijah Arroyo.
Exploiting the linebackers could be Seattle’s best approach. The Seahawks’ tight ends combined for four receptions, 53 yards, and one touchdown in the previous matchup. The concern is that AJ Barner appeared on the injury report, and if he’s out, it adds to the absence of Eric Saubert, who went to IR before the Washington Commanders game.
Arizona’s pass rush has 17 sacks, five of which came against the Cowboys. It’s worth remembering that the Cardinals also recorded three sacks on Darnold in the first matchup — double Seattle’s average at that time.
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