Five reasons for confidence in the Seahawks versus Cardinals

Seahawks defense will come through

Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright. Mainstays of the Seahawks defense for years, they’re more important than ever since the Legion of Boom has moved on. Wagner is coming off a career-best 18 tackle game. He averages more quarterback hits (nine total), pass defenses (six total), and interceptions (two) against the Cardinals than the league as a whole. BWagz gets even more amped for the Niners and Rams, in case you were wondering.

K.J. Wright has averaged more quarterback hits (six total) and pass defenses (seven total) against Arizona than any other team. Both of the Seahawks linebackers have feasted on the Cardinals in the past. I see no reason this trend won’t continue against Arizona’s talented rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.

The pass rush. Before you start laughing, I’m well aware the Seahawks pass rush has not performed as well as expected this season. Quinton Jefferson is the only lineman who’s performed better than expected, in fact. Ziggy Ansah and L.J. Collier are still shaking off the rust from their offseason injuries. Jadeveon Clowney had just one week of practice before his first game in Seattle.

You could say those are all excuses, and I’d tend to agree with you. I strongly believe these players have too much talent to continue underperforming. The Cardinals present a great opportunity for the pass rush to get on track. Arizona has given up 16 sacks already in just three games. Factor this in as well. Clowney has only played just one game against the Cardinals, but he absolutely lit them up. He had two sacks, three quarterback hits, and three tackles for a loss. The pass rush is overdue, and the Cardinals will pay the bill Sunday.