Seattle Seahawks: 3 reasons for concern vs. Cardinals week 11
The Seattle Seahawks face similar challenges in week 11 against the Cardinals as they did in their previous game against the Packers.
The Cardinals have a good offense when Kyler Murray is healthy (he is a game-time decision against the Seahawks Sunday) and a great defense. Here are the Seahawks reasons of concern for week 11 against the Cardinals.
1. Russell Wilson still looks injured
Considering how inaccurate Wilson was throwing the ball last week against the Packers, it raises questions about whether his finger has fully healed and if he is ready to play at an elite level. He threw 2 interceptions and completed just 20 of 40 passes for 161 yards in his first game back from injury.
Seahawks have several reasons for concern against Cardinals in week 11
The Seahawks were shut out for the first time since 2011, which the Seahawks had never done with Wilson as their quarterback. Hopefully, another week gave Wilson’s finger time to heal, because otherwise this week could be a repeat of last week’s game performance.
2. The Cardinals have a strong defense
The Cardinals are fifth in yards allowed this season, giving up just 323 yards a game this season. Most impressive is their passing defense which has allowed just 206.4 yards per game. Ex-Huskies Budda Baker and Byron Murphy have led a fierce ball-hawking secondary, combining for 5 interceptions this year.
With Wilson’s early struggles since his return from injury, another tough secondary adds to the challenges for Seattle’s quarterback. Also, D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett really struggled at creating separation last week, and this week’s matchup could cause similar problems.
3. The Seahawks running game has disappeared
While the Cardinals pass defense is strong, their run defense is their lone weak spot, as they are giving up 116.6 yards per game on the ground. However, the Seahawks have struggled to run the ball since Chris Carson was injured, except for their game against the Steelers in week 6 where they rushed for 144 yards. Carson is expected to be placed on the injured reserve list for the rest of the season following season-ending neck surgery.
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Seattle averaged 107 yards rushing when Carson was healthy, and since his injury, Seattle has averaged 94 yards rushing. They are also averaging just 75 yards rushing in their last three games. The Seahawks handed the ball off to their running backs for only 11 carries while deciding to throw the ball 40 times against the Packers in week 10.