Seahawks three biggest worries in the NFC West in 2021
By Lee Vowell
Worry number two: The Cardinals pass rush
Due to Chandler Jones’ injury in 2020, the Seahawks never had to face the Cardinals’ likely future Hall of Famer. But even without Jones Arizona finished 8th in pressure percentage last year and was fifth in sacks (48). Now Jones returns and Arizona also added J.J. Watt. Watt isn’t the player he once was but is still very good and now, for the first time in his career, isn’t going to be the focal point of the opposing team’s blocking scheme as Jones will be.
Arizona has a solid defense overall too so even when the Cardinals don’t get home but still get pressure, this could force Russell Wilson into a mistake or two and the game might be close enough (all 12s know how close Seattle games are anyway) where one mistake could be the difference between a win and a loss.
In the Seahawks first loss of 2020, which was against the Cardinals in week 7, Arizona pressured Wilson enough where he threw three interceptions. This was a game where the Cardinals didn’t get a sack but had 9 quarterback hits and this appeared to rattle Wilson.
Now with Jones back and Watt on the team, the Cardinals already good pass rush might be next level. And one single advantage in a matchup that overall is pretty even could give the Cardinals a victory or two over Seattle in 2021.