Studs and duds from Seahawks dominating Week 12 win against the Cardinals

The Seattle Seahawks entered Week 12 in the thick of a tight NFC West race, facing a pivotal showdown against the division-leading Arizona Cardinals. With the playoff picture starting to take shape, this matchup felt like a must-win for the Seahawks to keep their postseason hopes alive. Playing in front of a raucous home crowd, Seattle delivered a commanding performance that not only secured a crucial victory but also thrust them into the division lead.

The resounding success the Seahawks demonstrated in this game proved they have the talent and resilience to compete with any team in the league. This dominant performance sends a clear message: the Seahawks are serious contenders. However, the road to the playoffs demands consistency. The team must replicate this level of play week after week to maintain their momentum and solidify their postseason aspirations.

Even with such an impressive win, the Seahawks cannot afford to overlook the flaws in their game. Against tougher opponents, errors could be costly. Addressing these issues quickly is critical to ensure they don’t derail the team’s playoff push. With high stakes in every remaining game, the Seahawks must use this victory as both motivation and a learning opportunity to fine-tune their approach and maintain their competitive edge.

Two studs and two duds from the Seattle Seahawks Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals

STUD - Defense

The Seahawks' defense has been a persistent issue over the past few years, with struggles shifting between pass defense one season and run defense the next. Despite flashes of potential, the team has often fallen short of putting together a consistently dominant defensive unit. This season appeared to buck that trend early on, as the Seahawks' defense started strong, effectively limiting opponents’ scoring chances. However, recent weeks have exposed familiar vulnerabilities, with missed assignments and an inability to close out drives becoming problematic.

In their matchup against the Cardinals, however, the Seahawks' defense rose to the occasion, delivering one of their most disciplined performances of the season. They held Arizona to just two field goals, a remarkable feat given the Cardinals’ reputation for efficiency in the red zone.

Entering the game, Arizona boasted an impressive ability to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns, making Seattle's defensive stand all the more impressive. The Seahawks displayed grit and determination, shutting down key plays and forcing the Cardinals to settle for minimal points.

This performance offers a glimmer of hope that the defense can regain its early-season form and become a reliable asset for the team’s playoff push. However, consistency remains a hurdle. The Seahawks must build on this effort and address lingering weaknesses to ensure their defense can be a steady force in the critical games ahead.

DUD - Kenneth Walker III

The Seahawks have long been known for their strong run game, an identity that has defined the team’s offensive success in recent years. However, this season, that trademark rushing attack has been inconsistent, leaving the team searching for answers. Kenneth Walker III, expected to anchor the ground game, has struggled to regain his form after a brief injury absence. Despite his talent and explosiveness, Walker has been unable to produce at the level Seattle needs, leaving their offense one-dimensional at times.

In this game, Walker managed just 41 rushing yards, a stat that underscores the challenges the Seahawks face in establishing the run. While the offensive line has had its share of struggles, Walker’s lack of production raises questions about whether lingering effects from his injury might be impacting his performance. With the season entering its crucial stretch, Seattle will need its run game firing on all cylinders, especially as colder weather games demand physical, ground-and-pound football.

The Seahawks will hope that Walker’s struggles are only temporary and not indicative of a deeper issue. His ability to get back on track is critical for balancing the offense and easing the burden on Geno Smith and the passing game. Without a reliable rushing attack, the Seahawks risk becoming predictable, which could hinder their ability to compete against tougher defenses in the weeks ahead.

STUD - Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks knew they would need their playmakers to step up during critical stretches of the season to remain competitive against top-tier opponents. When DK Metcalf was sidelined for a stretch due to a knee injury, the pressure to fill that void fell squarely on the shoulders of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The sophomore wide receiver embraced the challenge, showcasing his route-running precision, reliable hands, and ability to make plays in crucial moments. His emergence as a go-to option added a new layer of versatility to Seattle's offense.

Even with Metcalf back in the lineup, Smith-Njigba has continued to make his presence felt. He has proven to be a dependable target for quarterback Geno Smith, particularly in the red zone, where his ability to find soft spots in coverage and make tough catches has been invaluable. JSN’s chemistry with Smith has grown visibly each week, and his contributions have helped take pressure off Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, creating a more balanced passing attack for the Seahawks.

Smith-Njigba’s progression not only highlights his potential as a future star but also underscores the depth of Seattle’s receiving corps. As the Seahawks push toward the playoffs, JSN’s ability to consistently produce will be key in keeping the offense dynamic and unpredictable, especially against defenses focused on shutting down Metcalf and Lockett. His growth as a playmaker is a promising sign for the Seahawks’ long-term success.

DUD - Tight end coverage

Even with a dominating defensive performance, there remains a glaring weakness that the Seahawks must address: their inability to consistently stop opposing tight ends. This vulnerability has been an Achilles' heel for the defense, as tight ends have often found space in critical moments, exploiting soft coverage or mismatches against linebackers and safeties. If the Seahawks hope to sustain their defensive momentum, shoring up this area will be essential.

The challenge is particularly pressing within their own division, where they regularly face elite pass-catching tight ends like Trey McBride of the Cardinals and George Kittle of the 49ers. Both players have the ability to create mismatches and are integral to their teams' offensive success. McBride’s athleticism and route-running have made him a reliable target, while Kittle’s combination of strength, speed, and football IQ makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL. Without a plan to neutralize these threats, the Seahawks risk giving up big plays in crucial divisional matchups.

Finding a solution will require a mix of improved game planning, adjustments in coverage schemes, and possibly better performances from their linebackers and safeties. If the Seahawks can rise to the challenge, it will not only fortify their defense but also solidify their chances of competing for the NFC West crown.

The Seahawks’ dominant victory over the Cardinals in Week 12 was a statement win that propelled them to the top of the NFC West. The team showcased its potential on both sides of the ball, with standout performances that highlighted its ability to compete with any opponent. However, maintaining this level of play will require consistent contributions from their top performers and a commitment to addressing the areas that remain problematic. As the playoff race tightens, every game becomes critical, and Seattle must build on this momentum to solidify their position.

Looking ahead, the Seahawks have a challenging path that will test their resolve and adaptability. To continue their march toward the playoffs, the offense needs to sustain balance, the defense must shore up lingering weaknesses, and special teams will need to remain a reliable asset.

If they can clean up the lowlights and stay consistent in their strengths, the Seahawks have all the tools necessary to make a deep postseason run. With this win as a foundation, Seattle has a golden opportunity to prove they are true contenders in the NFC.

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