In a high-energy NFC West showdown, the Seattle Seahawks clashed with the Arizona Cardinals in a game that delivered impressive plays, razor-thin margins, and standout individual performances. Fans were treated to a thrilling matchup that could have serious playoff implications down the stretch. If you missed the action or want a deeper dive into what happened on the field, we’ve got you covered with a complete breakdown of the most important player stats and expert insights from the game.
TLDR: Seahawks vs Cardinals Player Stats Summary
In a tightly contested game, the Seahawks edged past the Cardinals with strategic plays and key player performances. Geno Smith delivered a strong showing with multiple touchdowns and over 250 passing yards, while Kenneth Walker III contributed a solid ground attack. On the Cardinals’ side, Kyler Murray showed flashes of brilliance but struggled under a relentless Seattle pass rush. Defensive plays, turnovers, and third-down efficiency were pivotal in shaping the outcome of the match.
Seattle Seahawks: Offensive Player Stats and Analysis
The Seahawks offense fired on nearly all cylinders, guided by the composed arm of Geno Smith and powered by a versatile supporting cast. Here’s how the top offensive players fared:
- Geno Smith (QB): 26/35 completions, 258 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs. Rating: 115.3
- Kenneth Walker III (RB): 21 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD
- Tyler Lockett (WR): 7 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
- DK Metcalf (WR): 5 receptions, 72 yards
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR): 4 receptions, 44 yards, 1 TD
Expert Take: Geno Smith displayed excellent field vision and command of the offense. He was especially sharp on third downs, completing five of six passes in high-pressure situations. Kenneth Walker III kept the Cardinals guessing with timely interior runs and outside sweeps. The Smith-to-Lockett connection looked particularly potent, hinting at a duo in top form as the season ramps up.
Image not found in postmetaArizona Cardinals: Offensive Player Breakdown
The Cardinals, led by Kyler Murray, had moments of explosiveness but couldn’t string together enough consistency to close the gap. Here’s a look at their key offensive stats:
- Kyler Murray (QB): 20/33 completions, 227 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
- James Conner (RB): 17 carries, 74 yards
- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (WR): 6 receptions, 81 yards
- Michael Wilson (WR): 4 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD
- Trey McBride (TE): 5 receptions, 43 yards
Expert Take: Murray’s mobility was somewhat neutralized by Seattle’s disciplined edge containment. Although he managed a respectable completion rate, a costly second-half interception shifted momentum irreversibly in Seattle’s favor. The ground game via James Conner provided some balance, but the lack of red zone efficiency haunted the Cardinals late in the game.
Seahawks Defense: A Quiet Force with Big Plays
The Seahawks’ defense deserves ample credit for their win. They consistently applied pressure on Kyler Murray and disrupted the Cardinals’ tempo multiple times.
- Bobby Wagner (LB): 10 tackles, 1 sack
- Devon Witherspoon (CB): 5 tackles, 2 passes defended
- Jarran Reed (DT): 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries
- Julian Love (S): 1 INT, 5 tackles
Expert Take: Julian Love’s interception in the third quarter stopped a potentially game-changing Cardinals drive, showcasing excellent anticipation and positioning. Rookie Devon Witherspoon also impressed with tenacious coverage and physical tackling. The ability of Seattle’s front seven to collapse the pocket with minimal blitzing was a tactical win over Arizona’s offense.
Cardinals Defense: Flashes of Brilliance, Lacking Consistency
Arizona’s defense had standout moments but could not maintain consistency across all four quarters. A deeper look into their defensive stats shows mixed results:
- Budda Baker (S): 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- Zaven Collins (LB): 6 tackles, 1 sack
- Marco Wilson (CB): 1 INT, 1 pass defended
- Victor Dimukeje (DE): 1 sack, 2 QB hits
Expert Take: The Cardinals were most effective when mixing coverages and disguising pressure—forcing Smith into quick decisions. Budda Baker’s forced fumble provided a brief momentum swing, but the defense struggled to capitalize. Seattle’s offensive line consistently handled Arizona’s front four, reducing pressure opportunities and elongating drives.
Key Tactical Trends and Observations
Beyond just the numbers, the game revealed some crucial trends and tactical decisions that could have lasting effects:
- 3rd Down Efficiency: Seattle was 7-of-11 on third down, while Arizona was just 4-of-12.
- Time of Possession: Seahawks controlled the clock (31:45 vs. Cardinals’ 28:15), which helped keep Arizona’s defense on the field and allowed the offense to maintain rhythm.
- Turnover Battle: Seattle finished +1 in turnover margin – a stat often linked to game outcomes.
Expert Insight: These factors—especially third down efficiency—gave Seattle a clear edge. Long drives helped wear out the Cardinals, particularly in the fourth quarter where the time of possession disparity became most evident.
Special Teams Showdown
The often-overlooked third phase played a pivotal role with some key performances:
- Jason Myers (SEA K): 2/2 FGs, Longest: 47 yards
- Matt Prater (ARI K): 1/1 FG, 3/3 XP
- Michael Dickson (SEA P): Averaged 49.3 yards per punt, 2 inside 20
- Greg Dortch (ARI PR): 3 punt returns, 45 total yards
Expert Take: Seattle’s field positioning, aided by Dickson’s precision punting, contributed to longer fields for Arizona. Every inch mattered in an intense game where momentum constantly shifted. Myers’ field goals were also crucial in a final score margin decided by less than a touchdown.
Final Thoughts: What This Means Moving Forward
This game may have laid the foundation for the NFC West standings in the coming weeks. With strong performances from both squads, it’s clear that neither team can afford to slip up as playoff contention tightens.
For Seattle: Confidence continues to build behind Geno Smith, and the defense is meshing well with both veterans and emerging young stars. If the offensive line stays healthy and they maintain third-down dominance, they become a serious postseason threat.
For Arizona: There are signs of life in the offense and playmakers are emerging. However, consistency and discipline will be key areas to improve if they’re to remain competitive.
Game MVPs
Wrapping up the stats and analysis, here are the players who had the most impact:
- Offensive MVP: Geno Smith (SEA) – Masterful control, 3 TDs, 0 turnovers
- Defensive MVP: Julian Love (SEA) – Critical interception, solid tackling
- Breakout Player: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) – Big moments in key drives
With the NFL season hitting its stride, matchups like Seahawks vs Cardinals can be season-defining. If both teams continue to adjust and evolve, expect this rivalry to heat up even more in their next face-off.