Seahawks versus Cardinals: Highlights and final analysis

The Seahawks may have lost in week 7 to the Cardinals but it is not a lost season.

The Seahawks had started the season off 5-0 but history tells us that the Seahawks eventually losing a game was inevitable. What stung was that they lost, but how they lost after competing in once again, another, game of the year candidate in which they fell to the Arizona Cardinals 37-34 in overtime.

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1320581113690034176?s=20

It’s been said consistently throughout the season and on Sunday Night Football on NBC, it finally happened. The defense needs to improve if Seattle wants to keep winning and while the Seahawks may be getting Jamal Adams back from injury for their upcoming game against San Francisco, there still is big issues regarding their ability to rush the passer.

What went wrong?

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray attempted 48 passes on Sunday, while doing so, he was sacked a grand total of 0 times. This allowed him to carve up the secondary on 34/48 passing, 360 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception. He also rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown.

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1320560896217735168?s=20

Meanwhile, his leading pass catcher was Deandre Hopkins caught 10 passes for 103 yards and a score. His second was Chase Edmunds who caught 7 passes for 87 yards while also rushing 58 yards on just 5 carries.

It was not an ideal night for the defense, but that does not mean the blame is fully on them.

What went wrong? Continued…

Russell Wilson likely will be the MVP, but he was not anything near flawless against the Arizona Cardinals defense after such a hot start in the first half. Despite three pretty touchdowns to Tyler Lockett, there were three ugly interceptions to go along with it. None more costly the pass in overtime that was picked off by rookie Isiah Simmons in overtime which eventually led to Zane Gonzalez’s game-winning field goal. That interception hurt even more because it came after D.K’s game-winning touchdown was called back for holding.

Speaking of D.K…

With this play that he made on Budda Baker, his stock only continued to rise as a fan favorite around the league.

The effort and speed combined were jaw-dropping, imagine looking up at the big screen and seeing D.K Metcalf gaining on you with such smooth yet aggressive strides. Not ideal.

12s, take a breath.

The loss on Sunday was a heart-wrencher, but in the end, it was just a loss. Seattle has concerns that they must address but this is still a really good football team that has not reached its ceiling. There are still communications errors on the offensive and defensive end which you can expect to be ironed out as the season goes on.

The Arizona Cardinals are a quality football team so while it’s a game that the ‘Hawks should have won, it’s not by any means a terrible loss. It’s just an indication that the team has work they need to do, as does every NFC contender.

If those reassuring words did not bring a smile, perhaps this Russell Wilson to Tyler Lockett bomb will.

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1320543275187499013?s=20

What went well?

Despite those interceptions, Russell Wilson still was incredible as always. Not only did he dish out 388 yards through the air on 33-50 passing but he rushed for 84 yards on 6 carries as well. As big as his game was, maybe it was his leading receiver that had the biggest night.

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1320564971965566978?s=20

Tyler Lockett was sensational against a stingy Cards secondary. He hauled in 15 passes for 200 yards and was the recipient for all three of Wilson’s touchdown throws.

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1320522936567033857?s=20

And this…

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1320522119608856576?s=20

By the numbers

The Seahawks achieved 33 first downs throughout the night, 21 from the arm of Russ and 11 from rushing attempts. The Cardinals had 31 first downs with 17 of them through the air and 11 on the ground.

Seattle ran 82 plays and earned 572 yards on 12 drives while Arizona ran 81 and notched 519 yards on 13 possesions. The Seahawks had 3 turnovers while the Cardinals had 2.

Lastly, the ‘Hawks controlled the time of possession, they were in control for 39:32 while the ‘Cards had the ball for 30:13

https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1320601962954412032?s=20

Who’s next?

Next up for the (5-1) Seahawks is a battle against the (4-3) San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field.