The Seattle Seahawks have gotten off to a 2-1 start to the season and appear to be trending in the right direction. After losing a very winnable game to the San Francisco 49ers in their season opener, Seattle has back-to-back blowout victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.
While they still trail the undefeated 49ers in the NFC West standings, their divisional rivals have won three consecutive one-score games and continue to be depleted by injuries. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are the only team to rank in the top-five of both scoring offense and scoring defense -- ranking fifth in the former and second in the latter.
Seattle is coming off of their best all-around game of the season as they were dominant in all three phases, with Sam Darnold putting forth his best game in a Seahawks uniform. They will have a short week as they visit the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. Take a look at three bold predictions for Mike Macdonald's squad.
3 bold predictions for Seahawks' Thursday Night Football matchup with Cardinals
Seattle's pass rush finally breaks out
The Seahawks' defense has been elite as they have allowed just 15.7 points per game, the second-fewest in the league. Their five interceptions also rank second in the NFL. Their pass rush, however, has not gotten home as much as expected. Seattle finished tied for eighth with 45 sacks last season and added DeMarcus Lawrence in the offseason.
Through three games, their six sacks are tied for the ninth-fewest in the league. Meanwhile, Arizona's offensive line is banged up entering Week 4. Look for the Seahawks' pass rush to break out as they get home multiple times.
Tory Horton has a breakout game
Tory Horton has proven that he has a knack for the end zone as two of his five receptions have resulted in touchdowns. He has also returned a punt for a touchdown. Still, he has just five receptions for 64 yards on the season.
Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak compared the fifth-round rookie to Justin Jefferson, who he also coached as a rookie, on Tuesday. Look for him to be far more involved in the passing game -- and potentially surpass his season total in yardage and receptions.
Sam Darnold has his first 300-yard game as a Seahawk
Sam Darnold came close to throwing for 300 yards in Week 2 as he finished with 295 passing yards. With a breakout game projected from Horton - and Jaxon Smith-Njigba proving he is among the league's top wideouts - Darnold should be in line for a big game.
Arizona's passing defense has struggled, allowing the third-most yards this season despite facing Spencer Rattler, Bryce Young and Mac Jones. Look for Darnold to carve up the defense on a short week.