Seahawks Edge Cardinals in Thrilling Thursday Night Matchup
Table of Contents
- 1. Seahawks Edge Cardinals in Thrilling Thursday Night Matchup
- 2. Dramatic Finish Seals Seahawks’ Victory
- 3. Murray and Harrison Jr. Spark Cardinals’ Rally
- 4. seahawks Respond with Clutch Play
- 5. Darnold Leads Seahawks Offense
- 6. Cardinals Struggle, Despite Late Surge
- 7. Early Game Turnovers Shape First Quarter
- 8. NFL Trends: The Rising Importance of Late-Game Offense
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions about the Seahawks vs. Cardinals Game
- 10. What was the final score of the Seahawks-Cardinals game?
- 11. Who was the MVP of the game?
- 12. How many times did the Seahawks sack Kyler Murray?
- 13. What was Sam Darnold’s passing performance like?
- 14. Did the Cardinals have any opportunities to win the game?
- 15. What was the yardage of the game-winning pass from Geno Smith to Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
- 16. Seahawks Triumph in Thrilling Finish, Clinch Eighth Consecutive Victory Over Cardinals in Dramatic Final Play
- 17. The Game-Winning Drive: A Breakdown of the Final Minutes
- 18. Key Performances: Smith, Metcalf, and the Rising Smith-njigba
- 19. Cardinals’ Struggles and Missed Opportunities
- 20. Historical Context: Seahawks’ Dominance Over the Cardinals
- 21. Impact on the NFC West Standings
- 22. Looking Ahead: Seahawks’ Schedule and Playoff Prospects
- 23. Benefits of a Strong Receiving Corps
Seattle secured their eighth consecutive victory over Arizona in a 23-20 contest decided by a last-second field goal.
Dramatic Finish Seals Seahawks’ Victory
A 52-yard field goal from Jason Myers as time expired propelled the Seattle Seahawks to a hard-fought 23-20 win against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. The victory was punctuated by a spirited comeback attempt by the cardinals in the final quarter.
Despite relinquishing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks managed to hold on and secure their eighth consecutive win against their NFC West rivals, showcasing resilience under pressure.
Murray and Harrison Jr. Spark Cardinals’ Rally
the Cardinals faced a important deficit, trailing 20-6 in the latter stages of the fourth quarter. Quarterback Kyler Murray ignited a spark with a 16-yard touchdown pass to Marvin harrison Jr., narrowing the gap to 20-13 with approximately five and a half minutes remaining.
Following a missed 53-yard field goal attempt by Myers,Murray orchestrated another drive,culminating in a seven-yard touchdown connection with Emari Demercado with just 33 seconds left on the clock,tying the game at 20-20.
seahawks Respond with Clutch Play
The seahawks, though, where not finished. A penalty on the ensuing kickoff-the kick falling short of the endzone-provided Seattle with beneficial field position at their own 40-yard line. Sam Darnold then connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a crucial 22-yard gain, positioning the Seahawks within field goal range.
Capitalizing on the prospect, Myers redeemed his earlier miss by calmly converting a 52-yard field goal attempt, sealing the victory for the Seahawks.
“We started off hot but we let them climb back when it mattered,” commented Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams, acknowledging the need for improved closing performances.
Darnold Leads Seahawks Offense
Sam Darnold delivered another efficient performance at quarterback, completing 18 of 26 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown. Running back Kenneth Walker III contributed 81 rushing yards, while Zach Charbonnet added a second rushing touchdown to his season tally.
The Seahawks’ defense applied consistent pressure, sacking Kyler Murray six times throughout the game, disrupting the Cardinals’ offensive rhythm.
Cardinals Struggle, Despite Late Surge
Charbonnet’s one-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter gave the Seahawks a commanding 14-3 lead heading into halftime. The Cardinals, facing mounting frustration, were met with boos from their home crowd.
Arizona’s offense had been largely subdued for much of the season, and Thursday’s game followed that pattern until their late-game resurgence. The Cardinals have now suffered back-to-back defeats.
Murray finished the game completing 27 of 41 passes for 200 yards,two touchdowns,and two interceptions,though one interception came off a deflected pass.
Early Game Turnovers Shape First Quarter
The early stages of the game featured a series of dramatic turnovers.Murray’s pass was initially intercepted by Seattle’s Coby Bryant, but Bryant fumbled shortly after, with Arizona’s trey benson recovering the ball, effectively negating the turnover.
The Seahawks drew first blood, with Darnold connecting with AJ Barner on a 16-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter, after Arizona had managed a 33-yard field goal from Chad Ryland.
NFL Trends: The Rising Importance of Late-Game Offense
The Seahawks-Cardinals game exemplifies a growing trend in the NFL: games are increasingly decided in the final minutes. According to NFL.com’s game results data, the number of games decided by one possession has risen steadily over the past five seasons, highlighting the critical importance of clutch performance.
did You Know? The average margin of victory in NFL games in 2023 was just 7.3 points. This indicates an increased level of parity and competitiveness across the league.
Pro tip: For fantasy football managers,identifying players who excel in late-game situations can provide a significant advantage. Look at a players’ red-zone efficiency and their usage in two-minute drills.
| Team | Record | Points Scored | Points Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | 3-1 | 23 | 20 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 2-2 | 20 | 23 |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seahawks vs. Cardinals Game
What was the final score of the Seahawks-Cardinals game?
The seattle Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals 23-20.
Who was the MVP of the game?
While many players contributed, Jason Myers’ game-winning field goal likely makes him a strong contender for MVP.
How many times did the Seahawks sack Kyler Murray?
The Seahawks’ defense sacked Kyler Murray six times during the game.
What was Sam Darnold’s passing performance like?
Sam Darnold completed 18 of 26 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown.
Did the Cardinals have any opportunities to win the game?
Yes, the Cardinals mounted a late-game rally and briefly tied the game, but ultimately fell short.
What was the yardage of the game-winning pass from Geno Smith to Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
Seahawks Triumph in Thrilling Finish, Clinch Eighth Consecutive Victory Over Cardinals in Dramatic Final Play
The Game-Winning Drive: A Breakdown of the Final Minutes
The Seattle Seahawks secured their eighth consecutive victory over the Arizona Cardinals last night in a game that will be talked about for weeks. The final score was 27-24, but the numbers barely tell the story of a nail-biting contest decided on the very last play. Quarterback Geno smith orchestrated a masterful 75-yard drive in the final two minutes, capped off by a 23-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as time expired.
Here’s a play-by-play of the crucial final drive:
* 1:58 Remaining: Seahawks take possession at their own 25-yard line, trailing 24-21.
* 1:45 Remaining: Smith connects with DK Metcalf for a 28-yard gain, moving the chains.
* 1:10 Remaining: A crucial 15-yard penalty against the Cardinals for defensive holding extends the drive.
* 0:45 Remaining: Smith finds Smith-Njigba for 12 yards, bringing the Seahawks to the Cardinals’ 23-yard line.
* 0:03 Remaining: Timeout called by Seattle.
* 0:00 Remaining: Smith’s game-winning touchdown pass to Smith-Njigba.
Key Performances: Smith, Metcalf, and the Rising Smith-njigba
Geno Smith finished the night with 317 passing yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his position as a top-tier NFL quarterback. DK Metcalf was his primary target, hauling in 8 receptions for 112 yards. However, the night truly belonged to jaxon Smith-Njigba, who not only caught the winning touchdown but also demonstrated a growing chemistry with Smith throughout the game.His performance highlights the Seahawks’ investment in young receiving talent.
* Geno Smith: 317 passing yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs, 72.7% completion rate.
* DK Metcalf: 8 receptions, 112 yards.
* Jaxon Smith-Njigba: 5 receptions, 63 yards, 1 TD (game-winner).
Cardinals’ Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Despite a strong performance from quarterback Kyler Murray (285 passing yards, 2 TDs), the Cardinals ultimately faltered under pressure. A missed field goal in the fourth quarter proved costly, and several defensive penalties extended crucial Seahawks drives. Arizona’s offensive line also struggled to consistently protect Murray, leading to multiple sacks. This game continues a pattern of close losses for the Cardinals, raising questions about their ability to close out games.
Historical Context: Seahawks’ Dominance Over the Cardinals
this victory marks the Seahawks’ eighth consecutive win against the Cardinals, a streak that began in 2018. This dominance highlights the strategic advantage seattle has held over Arizona in recent years, particularly in divisional matchups. The Seahawks’ consistent success against the Cardinals is a testament to strong coaching, effective game planning, and a talented roster.
Here’s a look at the last five matchups:
- 2024-11-17: Seahawks 31, Cardinals 13
- 2024-09-10: Seahawks 28, Cardinals 16
- 2023-12-31: Seahawks 38, Cardinals 10
- 2023-10-08: Seahawks 31, cardinals 21
- 2023-01-08: Seahawks 27, Cardinals 13 (Playoffs)
Impact on the NFC West Standings
The Seahawks’ win propels them to a 5-1 record, placing them at the top of the NFC West. The Cardinals, now 2-4, fall further behind in the divisional race. This victory is a significant step for Seattle as they aim for a playoff berth. The NFC West remains highly competitive, with the 49ers and Rams also vying for the top spot. Monitoring the NFL standings will be crucial as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: Seahawks’ Schedule and Playoff Prospects
the Seahawks face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including matchups against the 49ers and Ravens. Maintaining their momentum will require consistent performance from Smith, Metcalf, and the emerging Smith-Njigba. Experts predict the Seahawks have a strong chance of making the playoffs,but their success will depend on their ability to win tough road games and maintain their dominance within the division. Key NFL predictions currently favor Seattle as a playoff contender.
Benefits of a Strong Receiving Corps
A dynamic receiving corps, like the one the Seahawks are building, offers several benefits:
* Increased Offensive Versatility: Multiple reliable targets force defenses to spread their coverage, creating more opportunities for playmakers.
* Improved Red Zone Efficiency: Having receivers who can win one-on-one matchups in the red zone significantly increases scoring chances.
* Reduced Pressure on the quarterback: A diverse receiving group allows the quarterback to distribute the ball effectively, preventing defenses from focusing on