Seahawks’ Big Win on Thursday Night Football, Defeat Arizona Cardinals, 28-21

Seattle Seahawks were better than the Arizona Cardinals, 28-21, avenging an OT loss from three weeks ago. Pete Carroll and his crew recorded a victory that could be very valuable when the regular part of the season ends.

There were two factors for this victory. The first was Seattle’s rushing game, and the second, an excellent effort of the defensive unit that surprised the guests. Unlike the previous time, once Seahawks didn’t sack Murray nor hit the Cards’ QB, this time was a bit different. The former No.1 pick was caught three times, twice by the new addition from the Bengals, Carlos Dunlap. The last sack came at the end of the game, putting an end to all the hopes that Arizona might repeat a miracle like against the Bills.

“We had to get to this guy. We had to get this guy uncomfortable. That was the only chance we had to win this game,” Bobby Wagner stated. “I definitely feel like he felt us.”

Seattle’s run game was at a much higher level than before with Carlos Hyde in the main role. He carried the ball 14 times, for 79 yards and a touchdown, and overall the hosts had 165 yards, the second-most this season, compared to Arizona’s 57. Murray couldn’t get into the rhythm, having just five rushes for 15 yards combined.

“It felt like the Seahawks that we’ve all seen over the years. Carlos did a great job tonight. He did exactly what we needed,” said Pete Carroll.

Cards were constantly near the Seahawks but without a chance to turn the game upside down. Each time they would come close, Seattle responded, getting away to a safe distance.

“Just came up short, didn’t execute when we needed to. Had our chances..you know, we just didn’t play well enough,” Murray said at the press.

Arizona had 10 penalties for 115 yards, the highest yardage since 2015. Right now, the Cards are topping the league when it comes to penalties, and that is something Kliff Kingsbury needs to decrease, otherwise, his team might suffer badly due to it.

The key moment of the match was when guard JR Sweezy made on inside the end zone with 9:18 left in the fourth, which automatically meant that the Seahawks got a safety. Cards reached down to 21-23, and with these two points, Seattle was able to score a field goal on the very next possession, practically solving the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I787i9XXm7w

Even though Arizona had one more attack, the momentum was gone, and the Seahawks easily stopped the guests.

Murray ended the night with 269 yards and two touchdown passes, without a turnover. Kenyan Drake ran 11 times for 29 yards and a TD, while Dan Arnold and Chase Edmonds each caught a TD pass. Larry Fitzgerald had 8 receptions for 62 yards and DeAndre Hopkins 5 for 51.

On the other side, Russell Wilson was 23-of-28 for 197 yards and two TDs, one to DK Metcalf and another for Tyler Lockett. Wilson rushed for 42 yards on 10 scrambles, fumbling the ball twice, but fortunately not losing the same. Lockett yielded 67 yards through the air, Metcalf 46.

Seahawks (7-3) meet the Philadelphia Eagles on the road next and, after that, host the New York Giants. After these two rivals, they have the New York Jets and the Washington Wizards on the menu. It is a perfect opportunity to improve the overall score and stay at the NFC West’s top.

Cards (6-4) visit the Patriots and then host the LA Rams on another very important match for their playoff aspirations.