The Seattle Seahawks turned in their best performance of the season on Sunday by dismantling their hated NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday 30-18 at State Farm Stadium. The victory was the 4th in a row for the NFC West division leaders.
The Cardinals started the game with an impressive 70-yard drive to take the lead 7-0 on their first possession, but from then on, the game got ugly for Arizona. On the ensuing drive, the Seahawks scored a field goal, then intercepted Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray on successive drives, leading to two touchdown scores and a 17-7 lead. By the end of the first half, the score was 24-10, and there was no looking back.
Unlike in weeks past when the defense carried the team to victory, the contribution on the offensive side of the ball played a significant role in the win. Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet had a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns, and the team was able to establish the running game, which provided a balance that has been sorely lacking.
“Yeah, I think the run game played a part,” said Geno Smith recognizing the offensive line had its best game as a unit thus far in the season. “I just thought our line played well.”
“Just everyone around me. Like I said, the line, the receivers downfield blocking, tight ends went out there and balled out,” said Charbonnet explaining what led to his career-best performance. “They just made it easy for me. All I had to do was make a dude miss, and it was able to work like that. I give all the credit to those guys up front.”
Although the offense had a stellar day, the defense did make their presence felt in a big way. In addition to the two interceptions on consecutive drives, Kyler Murray was under duress most of the game and the Cardinals rushing attack was not as impactful as they have been for most of the season.
“I think defensively, our unit is just coming closer as a brotherhood, as a friendship. We’re also out there playing relentless,” recently acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV, shared his idea on why the defense is performing at such a high level. “We’re playing each play as its own, not worrying about what’s happening or what’s the outcome of plays. Just going hard.”
The Seahawks outgained the Cardinals on the ground 176 to 121 and used the rushing advantage to control the time of possession. Geno Smith didn’t throw an interception, and the offense had no turnovers. Both big bright spots for an offense that has been struggling as of late.
“I have been saying for weeks that we’re working on this thing. We’re working through all the processes by no stretch of the imagination have we made it, but it’s great to get a breakthrough on productivity on how we want to play,” said Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald about the development of their offense. “I thought (Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Ryan) Grubb called a great game and onward we go.”
“I think now hopefully this generates some more confidence for us in the things that we’ve been doing and the inputs that we’re putting in,” coach Macdonald added. “I thought we played a complimentary game today. The ball wasn’t in jeopardy, Geno (Smith) didn’t take any sacks, so that’s what it’s going to take to win, especially late in the year.”
Next up is a game with huge playoff implications. The Green Bay Packers need a win to retain their spot as a wildcard team and the Seahawks need a win to stay atop the NFC West division. We’ll see how this whole thing unfolds. Stay tuned.
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