The clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals never fails to deliver drama, intensity, and highlight-reel plays, and this season’s matchup was no exception. Both NFC West rivals entered the game with something to prove, eyeing playoff implications and divisional bragging rights. With high expectations placed on quarterbacks Geno Smith and Kyler Murray, and fierce battles on both sides of the ball, fans witnessed a truly compelling contest from start to finish.
TLDR:
The Seattle Seahawks edged out a win against the Arizona Cardinals in a hard-fought game that showcased strong quarterback performances and tough defensive play. Geno Smith threw for over 280 yards, dramatically improving his season stats, while Kyler Murray displayed trademark agility and kept the Cardinals competitive. Key takeaways include Seattle’s improved pass rush and Arizona’s struggle to convert red zone opportunities. The win keeps playoff hopes alive for the Seahawks while placing more pressure on the Cardinals moving forward.
Match Overview
This NFC West showdown saw the Seahawks narrowly defeat the Cardinals with a final score of 27-24. Playing at Lumen Field, Seattle capitalized on home advantage and executed a game plan that minimized mistakes while maximizing offensive outputs from key players. The Cardinals, despite some clutch plays by Kyler Murray, failed to capitalize fully on their possession and struggled in crucial third-down and red-zone situations.
Key Player Stats
Seattle Seahawks
- Geno Smith (QB): 28/37, 282 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
- Kenneth Walker III (RB): 18 carries, 92 yards, 1 TD
- DK Metcalf (WR): 7 receptions, 98 yards
- Tyler Lockett (WR): 5 receptions, 66 yards, 1 TD
- Devon Witherspoon (CB): 1 INT, 3 tackles, 2 passes defended
- Bobby Wagner (LB): 9 tackles, 1 sack
Arizona Cardinals
- Kyler Murray (QB): 23/34, 251 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 42 rushing yards
- James Conner (RB): 15 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD
- Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (WR): 6 receptions, 84 yards
- Trey McBride (TE): 4 receptions, 46 yards, 1 TD
- Budda Baker (S): 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble
- Zaven Collins (LB): 6 tackles, 1 sack
1. Geno Smith’s Redemption
After weeks of inconsistent performances, Geno Smith looked confident and in control against the Cardinals. His completion rate of over 75% speaks volumes about his efficiency and ability to read Arizona’s defense. Perhaps most notably, he kept turnovers to a minimum and delivered two precise touchdown passes that proved crucial.
This win may serve as a turning point for Smith, who faced increasing scrutiny heading into the home stretch of the season. His decision-making in the pocket, particularly on third downs, enabled the Seahawks to maintain possession and control the game’s tempo.
2. Kyler Murray’s Dual Threat Game
Murray reminded fans why he’s considered one of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks. Though his passing numbers weren’t spectacular, he added a critical dimension to the Cardinals’ offense on the ground. His 42 rushing yards came on key scrambles, often turning broken plays into productive downs.
However, a late interception in the fourth quarter stalled the Cardinals’ comeback drive and cemented the Seahawks’ lead. It was a harsh reminder that even Murray’s dynamic style needs refinement in high-pressure scenarios.
3. Kenneth Walker III: Silent Killer
While he wasn’t the flashiest player on the field, Kenneth Walker’s performance was instrumental in Seattle’s victory. With 92 yards on 18 carries, he helped sustain drives and wore down the Cardinals’ front seven.
His touchdown run in the third quarter came after a punishing 8-play series that chewed up the clock and demoralized Arizona’s defense. Walker’s ability to gain consistent yardage between the tackles gave the Seahawks a balanced offensive approach.
4. Defensive Standouts on Both Sides
Defense was a deciding factor in this tightly contested game. For Seattle, Bobby Wagner once again proved why he’s one of the best linebackers in the NFL. His veteran presence helped stifle Arizona’s run game and forced Murray to the outside, cutting down big-play potential.
Devon Witherspoon, the rookie cornerback, made a name for himself with an athletic interception and lockdown coverage throughout the evening. His growth throughout the season has been a huge asset to a Seahawks secondary that has sometimes struggled in coverage.
Meanwhile, Budda Baker and the Cardinals’ defensive unit showed flashes of brilliance. Baker’s forced fumble momentarily swung momentum in Arizona’s favor during the second quarter, but the offense failed to fully capitalize on the turnover.
Image not found in postmeta5. Red Zone Woes for Arizona
The Cardinals moved the ball well between the 20s but faltered in the red zone. They converted just 2 of 5 trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns, settling for field goals instead of capitalizing on Seahawks’ defensive lapses.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon will need to re-evaluate the offensive play-calling, especially inside the red zone where predictable schemes allowed Seattle to stiffen and disrupt plays at critical junctures. It’s an area that must improve if the Cardinals hope to compete for a playoff berth.
6. Coaching Decisions and Clock Management
The final minutes offered an intriguing chess match between Pete Carroll and Jonathan Gannon. Carroll’s decision to go for it on 4th-and-1 on his own 45-yard line paid off, as Kenneth Walker picked up the first down and allowed the Seahawks to run out the clock.
On the other hand, Arizona’s time management in the last three minutes was suspect. Two wasted timeouts and a questionable play call on 3rd-and-long left them with little leverage in the final minute. In tight contests like these, small decisions can swing the outcome.
Looking Ahead: What This Means
For the Seahawks, this win keeps them in the thick of the playoff hunt and could serve as real momentum heading into a tough part of their schedule. Confidence should be growing within both the offense and defense, especially with Geno Smith showing leadership under pressure and young players like Witherspoon stepping up.
The Cardinals, however, face tougher questions. They’ve now dropped consecutive games and continue to show issues in critical areas like red zone offense, third-down efficiency, and special teams. Murray’s return from injury has certainly added energy, but his supporting cast must step up—and fast.
Final Thoughts
This was a quintessential NFC West battle: hard-hitting, high-stakes, and unpredictable until the final moments. The Seahawks found ways to execute under pressure, and their stars came through when it mattered most. The Cardinals weren’t far behind, but their failure to finish drives proved to be their undoing.
It’s still too early to write the final chapter of either team’s season, but if this matchup was any indication, both the Seahawks and Cardinals are capable of great things—if they can iron out their flaws.