Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks: Key Takeaways from NFL Week 12 Matchup

Cardinals Face Tough Loss Against Seahawks

The Arizona Cardinals faced the Seattle Seahawks and lost 16-6, dropping their record to 6-5 and tying them with the Seahawks for the NFC West lead. The defeat highlighted several critical areas for the team.

NFC West Competition Intensifies

Before this game, the Cardinals had a chance to establish a strong lead in the NFC West by winning. A victory would have given them a 3-0 division record. However, the Seahawks proved to be a tough competitor. The Cardinals must win against them in their next matchup in Glendale to avoid losing the tiebreaker.

Offensive Line Struggles

The Cardinals’ offensive line struggled significantly during the game. Quarterback Kyler Murray was pressured on 14 of 43 dropbacks and sacked five times. The run game was equally poor, with James Conner managing just 8 yards on seven carries. Right tackle Jonah Williams noted the importance of executing better on early downs to avoid obvious passing situations.

Murray’s Pressure Difficulty

Kyler Murray generally handles pressure well, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt under pressure this season. However, against Seattle, he completed only 1 of 8 passes for 4 yards under pressure, culminating in a critical interception returned for a touchdown.

Mistakes Plague the Offense

The Cardinals’ offense made uncharacteristic mistakes throughout the game. On their first possession, Trey McBride fell short of a first down instead of fighting for additional yards. Later, Greg Dortch missed a chance for a deep completion due to a misplay. Additionally, a near fumble return for a touchdown exposed their lack of awareness.

Defensive Performance Shines

Despite the loss, the Cardinals’ defense played strongly. They allowed only 285 yards and 10 points, showcasing significant improvement from previous games. Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon noted he regretted the limited play calls. The unit succeeded in pressuring the Seahawks, recording five sacks and limiting star players. Overall, the defense remains a cornerstone for the Cardinals as they aim for a playoff spot, even after this setback.