Seattle Seahawks November preview and predictions
By Jake Luppino
On Thursday Night Football, the Seahawks will seek revenge against the Arizona Cardinals.
Thursday, November 19, 2020: Week 11 — Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks will once again have back to back divisional games as they take on the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. They will be seeking revenge as the Cardinals handed the Seahawks their first defeat of the year on Sunday Night Football in Week 7. Since 2013, Russell Wilson was 6-0-1 when playing in Arizona. It seemed that when these two teams faced off, the road team would win. This year, it feels as if the script is being flipped.
Back at home on primetime with a healthy Jamal Adams, Damion Harrison and Carlos Dunlap, I see the final score favoring Seattle. In the first matchup, Seattle pretty much felt in control for three and a half hours. In fact, if it weren’t for the late game penalties, Seattle might have walked out of the desert victorious. But, Arizona deserves credit for making more plays at the end of the game ensuring them the win.
Hopkins was a problem in the first matchup. It felt as if the Seahawks had no answer for him. I know Griffin missed majority of the second half with a concussion and Prez was out with a groin injury. But, also, it was because of the lack of pass rush. Kyler Murray had plenty of time to go through his reads and even take off with his feet if no one was open. Perhaps, the Seahawks secondary is better than what everyone perceives. It could be the lack of pass rush that is allowing the secondary to get shredded. Regardless, I see the Seahawks defense being way better in this one than in the first matchup.
What Will Determine the Outcome: Russell Wilson will not throw 3 interceptions
Russell Wilson made some poor decisions with the football in the first matchup between these two teams. The first interception he threw came when the Seahawks led 13-7, while the Seahawks were only a few yards away from the end zone. I know DK made a huge touchdown saving tackle, but if the Seahawks score in that particular moment, they go up 20-7, and the outlook of this game changes.
The second one just seemed to be an unforced error as Wilson thought Metcalf was going to continue running into the end zone. The Seahawks ended up getting it back on the very next play as S Quandre Diggs intercepted Murray. The third interception came late in overtime. Wilson was confused on the blitz disguise as the last time the Cardinals lined up showing a mid blitz (blitz up the middle with linebackers), he was sacked.
It is very rare for Wilson to turn the ball over even once. In fact, prior to Week 7, the last time Wilson threw three interceptions was in 2017. Last year I believe, against the Baltimore Ravens early in the season, Wilson threw his first career pick six. It is rare to see him turn the ball over as he is typically very smart in his decision making. When these teams meet for a second time, I’d bet Wilson will have 0 turnovers. He knows he made some mistakes and took full ownership and accountability after the game (as a good leader does). Remember, the Seahawks had no problem moving the ball, as they tallied over 500 total yards. It was the turnovers and penalties that ended up costing them.
Also, when these two teams meet again, I see the pass rush being way better. After the acquisition of Dunlap, this Seattle front four should be able to apply more pressure on the quarterback. Murray is a speedster, but with a new addition to the front four along with Jordyn Brooks and Shaquem Griffin spying, I think the defense will be just fine. I like for the Seahawks to win by at least 10 in this one, getting revenge on their divisional rival.
32. 31. 36. Prediction. 21