Seahawks vs Cardinal, 3 players to watch

Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Kasen Williams (2) makes a catch as Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Larry Stephens (20) makes a tackle during the second half in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Kasen Williams (2) makes a catch as Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Larry Stephens (20) makes a tackle during the second half in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seahawks will have a different look to them as they take on the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.

I’ve spoken to many Seahawk fans this week who believe Sunday’s game in Arizona is going to be like every other game, and are looking forward to an intense battle between the two NFC West rivals.

I respectfully, and completely, disagree. The Seahawks have very little to gain by going “all out” for the win in Arizona, for the following reasons:

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  • The only way they can earn the 5th seed is if they beat the Cardinals and Green Bay beats Minnesota, but the Packers/Vikings game doesn’t kick off until after their game ends.
  • The Seahawks have a number of key starters nursing injuries. It’s just not worth the risk to expose them to further injury before the playoffs.
  • The difference between playing Washington as the 5th seed, or the winner of Green Bay/Minnesota as the 6th seed is minimal at best, and again….. not worth the risk of exposing those banged-up players.
  • The Seahawks have a good chance to be right back in Glendale in two weeks to face the Cardinals again. Certainly, they don’t want to “show them everything” in advance.

But there will still be some intriguing and important storylines tomorrow, some with potential long-term ramifications. With that in mind, here’s 3 players to watch as the Seahawks take on the Cardinals:

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