Seahawks Edge Out Cardinals in Close Game
The Seattle Seahawks managed to fend off their NFC West rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, with a narrow 23-20 victory on the road Thursday night. With this win, Seattle improved to a 3-1 record, while the Cardinals fell to 2-2.
The Cardinals struggled offensively for much of the game, but the fourth quarter proved to be quite thrilling as Kyler Murray finally started to find his rhythm.
In a crucial moment, Murray threw a pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. in the end zone, closing the gap to a one-score game after the extra point. The Seahawks, led by Sam Darnold, who held a 20-13 advantage at that point, aimed to seal their victory with a long drive to eat up the clock. Darnold connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 36-yard pass, which moved the team into Cardinals territory.
However, after a few plays, the Seahawks found themselves in a tough spot as Jason Myers attempted a 53-yard field goal. In response, Murray orchestrated a drive that was key to tying the game.
The Cardinals marched down the field, executing a 12-play drive that covered 57 yards in just under three minutes. Emmali Demercado found the end zone with a touchdown after initially being open for a second and goal, which, after the extra point, tied the game with 28 seconds remaining.
Seattle had a brief opportunity to put Myers in field goal range, but a failed kickoff by Chadryland altered their plans, setting up the Seahawks at their own 40-yard line instead.
Darnold then facilitated a decent gain with a 22-yard pass to Smith-Njigba. After a minimal gain on the ground from Zach Charbonnet, they lined up for another field goal attempt, this time from 52 yards out.
Ultimately, the Seahawks celebrated a significant division win. It wasn’t an offensive showcase, as both teams’ defenses played remarkably well. However, Darnold was able to guide two touchdown drives, with a notable connection to tight end AJ Burner, giving the Seahawks their initial points early in the second quarter and heading into halftime with a 14-3 lead.
Both teams managed field goals in the third quarter, but things really heated up in the final quarter of play.
Statistically, Darnold completed 26 of 18 passes for 242 yards without throwing any interceptions. Kenneth Walker III led the rushing attack with 81 yards on 19 carries, while Charbonnet added 39 yards on 12 attempts.
On the Cardinals’ side, Murray went 27 for 41 with multiple touchdown passes, but two interceptions overshadowed his performance. Harrison stood out as a key receiver, racking up 66 yards on six receptions.
Trey Benson, stepping in for the injured James Connor, managed 35 yards on eight carries in his first game as the leading running back, along with five catches for 19 yards from Murray.
