The Seattle Seahawks’ defense put forth a dominant showing versus their NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s crucial 16-6 Week 12 victory. Mike Macdonald’s defense was firing on all cylinders early. It turns out they set the tone during the opening half of Sunday’s triumph.
The Seahawks pressured Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on nine of his 20 dropbacks (45%) throughout the first half, according to advanced data collected by ESPN Research. That represented the highest pressure rate Murray has faced in a first half in the last two seasons. He predictably struggled under duress, going two-of-six for 27 yards and three sacks on those plays.
From ESPN Research: The Seahawks pressured Kyler Murray on 9 of his 20 dropbacks (45%) in the first half, the highest rate he’s faced in a first half in the last two seasons. He was 2 of 6 for 27 yards with three sacks on those plays.
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) November 24, 2024
Overall, the Seahawks’ surging defense limited the Cardinals to six points, 49 rushing yards, and 300 total yards of offense. A Seahawks defense that’s consistently struggled to defend the run this season held Cardinals running backs James Conner and Trey Benson to 26 yards via 11 carries (2.36 yards per carry).
Arizona’s offense went a combined three-of-13 on third and fourth down attempts. Murray threw zero touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked on five total occasions.
The Seahawks have held consecutive divisional opponents to under 20 points. Back-to-back victories over the San Francisco 49ers and Cardinals have the 6-5 Seahawks suddenly sitting atop the NFC West after all three of their divisional contenders lost on Sunday. Macdonald’s in-form defense is powering Seattle forward.
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