Tag: cardinals vs seahawks

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks face a critical matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 14 game. It’s a potentially decisive NFC West rematch after the Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 16-6 two weeks ago. Sunday’s outcome will have a drastic impact on the standings and postseason odds. Despite picking up the win, Seattle’s offense struggled against Arizona  in Week 12. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the offense in Week 14.

Seahawks score more than one offensive TD

In the Week 12 victory over the Cardinals, the Seahawks offense took a 7-3 lead in the second quarter via a three-yard passing score from Geno Smith to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That would be Seattle’s lone offensive score of the afternoon. Coby Bryant returned an interception for a 69-yard pick-six for Mike Macdonald’s second and final touchdown. Look for the Seahawks to enjoy more offensive success this time around.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the WR room again

The Seahawks have won three consecutive games and Jaxon Smith-Njigba has led the offense in receptions and receiving yards in all of them. Superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf missed Thursday’s practice with a shoulder injury. With Metcalf’s status for Sunday legitimately hanging in the balance, expect JSN to continue operating as Smith’s go-to target.

Zach Charbonnet thrives

Running back Kenneth Walker III also missed Thursday’s practice with ankle and calf designations. Change-of-pace back Zach Charbonnet ranks second on the offense in touchdowns this season with six. Charbonnet took advantage of an expanded role versus the Cardinals if Walker is absent or even limited.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks defense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks face a critical matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 14 game. It’s a potentially decisive NFC West rematch after the Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 16-6 two weeks ago. Sunday’s outcome will have a drastic impact on the standings and postseason odds. Mike Macdonald’s defense was downright dominant in that victory a fortnight ago. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the defense in Week 14.

Uchenna Nwosu records a sack in his return

Macdonald’s defense received some excellent news on Thursday as the team activated Uchenna Nwosu off IR. It should provide the defense with a major jolt in the arm. The team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee, Nwosu has barely played in 2024, initially missing the opening four contests after suffering an injury in the preseason finale. His return from that setback lasted precisely just 20 snaps before a thigh injury sidelined him again. Look for the anxious defender to sack Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on Sunday on his triumphant return.

Leonard Williams keeps dominant run going

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams has been on a tear in recent weeks and that ongoing streak first began against the Cardinals in Week 12. Williams was unstoppable, sacking Murray 2.5 times. His latest performance against the New York Jets earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. The Cardinals aren’t looking forward to seeing him again.

Seahawks limit Cardinals to under 75 rushing yards

Arizona simply couldn’t run the football against Seattle’s stout defensive front two weeks ago. Running backs James Conner and Trey Benson were limited to 26 rushing yards via 11 carries (2.36 yards per carry). The Cardinals totaled under 50 net rushing yards. Similar results could occur on Sunday.

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Seahawks-Cardinals to have drastic impact on postseason NFC West odds

Seahawks-Cardinals to have drastic impact on postseason NFC West odds

The Seattle Seahawks captured their third consecutive victory, outlasting the New York Jets 26-21 in Week 13. Mike Macdonald’s squad now enters Sunday’s Week 14 showdown versus the Arizona Cardinals in pole position in the NFC West. With the Cardinals (6-6) trailing the Seahawks (7-5) by one game in the division, Sunday’s outcome will have a massive impact on both team’s postseason odds.

A Seahawks victory would increase their chances of making the playoffs to 62%, while lowering the Cardinals’ postseason hopes to 17%, according to FTN Fantasy’s simulation model. On the flip-side, a Cardinals win would increase their playoff chances to 71%, while decreasing Seattle’s to 11%. It’s borderline a must-win game for both teams.

Sunday’s meeting will mark the second and final scheduled contest between the Seahawks and Cardinals this season. The Seahawks began taking ownership of the NFC West by defeating the Cardinals 16-6 at Lumen Field just two weeks ago. Arizona will now possess home-field advantage in the rematch.

The Seahawks were dominant defensively in the first meeting, forcing a Kyler Murray interception, sacking him five times, and preventing Arizona’s offense from scoring a touchdown. The Cardinals gained under 300 total yards of offense and went a combined 3-of-13 on third and fourth down opportunities. Arizona also punted on six occasions and lost the time of possession battle (TOP) by nearly seven full minutes.

The Seahawks could possess a sizable advantage in the NFC West if they complete the regular-season sweep of Arizona on Sunday.

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Seahawks are in good hands if Mike Macdonald misses Sunday’s Week 14 game

Seahawks are in good hands if Mike Macdonald misses Sunday’s Week 14 game

Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald missed Monday’s practice leading up to Sunday’s upcoming Week 14 game versus the Arizona Cardinals. Macdonald wasn’t simply skipping practice. He had an outstanding reason. His wife went into labor with their first child!

Assistant head coach Leslie Frazier took the responsibility of meeting with local media on Monday. When asked about Macdonald’s return, Frazier delivered an unclear timeline. If Macdonald has to miss Sunday’s NFC West showdown with the Cardinals, understandably so, the Seahawks would be in excellent hands.

Frazier joined Macdonald’s staff after spending the 2023 season out of football. From 2017 to 2022, he enjoyed an excellent stint as the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator. Frazier’s coaching career dates back to 1988, and he spent three campaigns as the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach from 2011 to 2013.

Frazier and Macdonald crossed paths with the Baltimore Ravens during the 2016 season. Frazier was the secondary coach and Macdonald was still cutting his teeth as a defensive assistant. When Frazier joined the Bills in 2017, Macdonald was promoted in Baltimore to defensive backs coach.

When Macdonald received the opportunity to become the Seahawks’ head coach, he wisely called on Frazier. Looking for experienced assistants to join his staff, he appointed Frazier as his assistant head coach. If Frazier has to coach Sunday’s game versus the Seahawks, expect him to field a prepared, motivated team looking to get a win in celebration of Macdonald’s life-altering event.

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Analyzing Leonard Williams’ dominant performance in Seahawks’ Week 12 win

Analyzing Leonard Williams’ dominant performance in Seahawks’ Week 12 win.

The Seattle Seahawks defense put forth an outstanding showing in Sunday’s victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle won 16-6, catapulting themselves to the top of the NFC West standings. Mike Macdonald’s defense spearheaded the victory, limiting the Cardinals to six points, less than 300 yards of offense, and a conversion percentage of 23% (3-of-13) on third and fourth down attempts.

Seattle’s best player was veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Williams recorded seven quarterback pressures and two sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. He captured an elite single-game grade of 87.0.

Coach Macdonald believes his performance should be rewarded accordingly.

“It was really good,” Macdonald told local media after watching the film of Williams’ performance. “Just great, great football game. [Williams] should be the player of the week in my opinion,” Macdonald concluded.

“I think that was definitely my most dominant game since being a part of the Seahawks,” Williams said. “I woke up Sunday morning with a great feeling. I told everyone I had a good feeling about this game. I had great energy and it showed.”

Williams’ seven quarterback pressures was a season-high amount. It was also his second multi-sack performance of the campaign. Williams’ five sacks is tied for second on the defense with Boye Mafe, trailing just Derick Hall and his team-leading six quarterback takedowns.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 12

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 12

The Seattle Seahawks moved into first place in the NFC West by beating the Arizona Cardinals 16-6 in Week 12. It represented a dominant defensive performance by Mike Macdonald and Co., who held the Cardinals to six points and 3-of-13 on third and fourth down attempts. The Seahawks managed five sacks and limited Arizona to under 300 yards of offense. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Leonard Williams | 87.0

Leonard Williams was downright dominant against an outmatched Cardinals offensive line. Williams was credited with generating seven quarterback pressures and two sacks. It was arguably the best performance of his Seahawks tenure to date, and his highest individually-graded game of the season.

Ernest Jones IV | 73.5

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV has completely transformed this run defense since his arrival via trade with the Tennessee Titans. Jones once again led the Seahawks in tackles with 10 takedowns. He helped limit Cardinals running backs Trey Benson and James Conner to 26 rushing yards via 11 carries, allowing just 2.36 YPC. Dual-threat quarterback Kyler Murray scampered for just nine yards via two scrambles.

Julian Love | 71.1

Safety Julian Love played 100 percent of defensive snaps (58). Love accumulated four tackles and two pass breakups in a stellar defensive performance. He played a keynote role in a Seahawks secondary that scored a pick-six return touchdown via safety Coby Bryant. Seattle held the Cardinals to 249 net passing yards and zero touchdowns.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on offense in Week 12

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on offense in Week 12

The Seattle Seahawks captured a critical victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, winning their Week 12 contest within the NFC West 16-6.  Starting quarterback Geno Smith completed 22 of 31 passing attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Smith and the offense were effective enough on offense. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Kenneth Walker III | 88.2

It was borderline surprising to see Kenneth Walker III score so highly considering he rushed for 41 yards and zero touchdowns via 16 carries. The Cardinals shut down the former Michigan State standout, holding Seattle’s preferred ball carrier to 2.6 yards per carry. Walker however chipped in with four receptions on six targets for 52 receiving yards, totaling nearly 100 yards of offense.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 79.1

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to enjoy a breakout sophomore campaign. JSN was once again Smith’s go-to target on Sunday, leading the Seahawks in receptions (six) and receiving yards (77). Smith-Njigba also scored Seattle’s only offensive touchdown of the afternoon. JSN is living up to the hype as last year’s first-round selection.

DK Metcalf | 69.8

DK Metcalf remains Smith’s tried and true deep threat. The vertical boundary receiver accumulated four receptions for 59 receiving yards. The highlight of Metcalf’s afternoon was a 29 yard reception, Seattle’s second-longest play from scrimmage on offense. The Cardinals had few answers for Seattle’s passing attack.

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Seahawks defense set tone with dominant first half vs. Cardinals in Week 12 win

Seahawks defense set tone with dominant first half vs. Cardinals in Week 12 win

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.

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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Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

Seahawks’ chances to win NFC West will be drastically altered by Cardinals outcome

The Seattle Seahawks significantly improved their postseason chances by defeating their divisional rival San Francisco 49ers 20-17 in Week 11. The Seahawks now find themselves in a three-way standings tie in the division with the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with all three teams at 5-5. Sunday’s Week 12 opponent is the Arizona Cardinals, who are leading the NFC West with a surprising record of 6-4.

The victory over San Francisco boosted Seattle’s postseason odds to 11%, according to The Athletic’s playoff model. Their odds of winning the NFC West currently stands at 8%. The remaining difference includes the opportunity to make the playoffs via the wild card.

Unsurprisingly, those odds will be drastically altered following Sunday’s outcome versus the Cardinals. With a victory, head coach Mike Macdonald will witness his postseason odds increase to 21%, with his chances to capture the division title upgraded to 16%, doubling from its current number. A loss would represent a major setback, with just 4% postseason odds, and 2% NFC West odds, per Michael-Shawn Dugar.

The Seahawks are currently 1-2 within the NFC West, having suffered defeats to the 49ers and Rams. Falling to 1-3 would drastically hinder their chances of winning the division. Following Sunday, the Seahawks have their final two divisional games against the Cardinals in Week 14, and the Rams in Week 18’s regular-season finale.

Sunday’s home showdown versus the Cardinals at Lumen Field will understandably have a playoff-like atmosphere.

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Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks right tackle Abe Lucas made his regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Mike Macdonald wisely decided to ease Lucas back into the offense given his lengthy stint on the sidelines. Lucas rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps after making a handful of starts earlier this year.

Lucas was outstanding and did not appear rusty. Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He earned a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, the former Washington State standout was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

Now that Lucas has some in-game reps under his belt, the expectation is that he’ll play 100 percent of Ryan Grubb’s offensive snaps in Sunday’s upcoming critical Week 12 NFC West showdown versus the Arizona Cardinals. Grubb confirmed that Lucas should play the complete workload. It offers a boost to Seattle’s improving offensive line.

The Cardinals have recorded 24 sacks in 10 regular-season games this campaign. Jonathan Gannon has lost both of his best projected pass rushers, BJ Ojulari and Dennis Gardeck, to season-ending injuries. ESPN Stats & Info credits the Cardinals with a pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) of 30 percent, the second-worst rate in the entire league through 11 completed contests.

Sunday projects as a favorable matchup for Lucas to play 100 percent of snaps for the first time this season.

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