Seattle Seahawks: 3 reasons for hope vs. Cardinals week 11
The Seattle Seahawks have struggled through their first nine games going 3-6, but Russell Wilson is getting healthier and the defense is playing better.
The Cardinals are banged up coming into this matchup. Here are three reasons to be hopeful about Seattle’s chances against the Cardinals in week 11.
1. The Seahawks want to run the ball more this week
Pete Carroll and Shane Waldron have addressed the Seahawks lack of running game following their game against the Packers in week 10. Acknowledging they need a more balanced approach against a Cardinals team that is strong against the pass and weak against the run. This would help Russell Wilson who is still recovering from a finger injury and struggled to accurately throw the ball against the Packers.
Hopes for the Seahawks against the Cardinals week 11
The Seahawks are still without Chris Carson, but Dee Eskridge has worked his way back into the starting lineup and could see some carries this week in jet sweeps. This combined with a rushing game plan with Alex Collins should provide the Seahawks with a more balanced approach on offense.
2. The Cardinals are dealing with injuries
Kyler Murray is a game-time decision for Sunday’s game and has been dealing with a sprained ankle. The Cardinals offense typically is not the same without Kyler Murray fully healthy and last week struggled in his absence against the Panthers. They scored just 10 points against the Panthers in their week 10 defeat at home without Kyler Murray.
Backup quarterback Colt McCoy has been dealing with a pectoral injury but is expected to make the start if Kyler Murray is unavailable. McCoy has thrown for 356 yards, is 33 of 46 on pass attempts with 1 TD and 1 INT in two starts at quarterback. Deandre Hopkins, the Cardinals second-best receiver with 486 yards receiving, has been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
3. The Seahawks defense is showing signs of improvement
After their week 5 loss to the Rams where they gave up 26 points to Matt Stafford and the Rams, the Seahawks are giving up just 15 points per game. Also, even though Seattle’s average yards allowed for the season appears to be high (they have allowed 400.6 yards per game), in their last four games they are giving up just 337.8 yards per game.
Next. 5 Seahawks who have offered almost nothing in 2021. dark
This combined with their points allowed in their last four games shows the defense is making improvements. The Seahawks are clearly a different team defensively than they were earlier in the season and will need to be at their best when they take on the Cardinals this Sunday.