A Thrilling NFC West Clash: Seahawks vs Cardinals Recap
The Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals match delivered a classic NFC West battle filled with intense moments, brilliant individual performances, and a game full of playoff implications. Both teams showcased contrasting styles, with Seattle’s dynamic offense clashing against Arizona’s gritty defensive schemes. Fans were treated to a matchup where every snap mattered, and the final stats painted a deeper picture than the scoreboard alone.
The player stats from this contest provide insight into which athletes truly impacted the outcome. From explosive passing yards to critical tackles and game-changing interceptions, this breakdown focuses on those whose performances stood out. This comprehensive analysis of the Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats highlights who rose to the occasion and why this game will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the season.
Quarterback Duel: Smith vs. Murray Performance Analysis
Geno Smith had a composed and efficient outing, commanding the Seahawks’ offense with smart decision-making. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 268 yards and 2 touchdowns, maintaining a clean sheet with zero interceptions. Smith’s ability to spread the ball and adjust under pressure was key, especially on third downs where Seattle converted at a high rate. His chemistry with receivers and poise in the pocket were instrumental in sustaining drives.
Kyler Murray, on the other hand, displayed flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. He finished with 215 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception, completing 19 of 34 passes. Although he added 46 yards on the ground with his signature scrambles, Murray’s accuracy issues and limited protection in the pocket hindered Arizona’s offensive rhythm. Despite the adversity, he kept the Cardinals competitive with clutch throws late in the game.
Running Back Showdown: Walker and Conner’s Ground Game
Kenneth Walker III led the Seahawks’ backfield with 97 rushing yards on 18 carries, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per rush. He broke multiple tackles and delivered punishing runs that helped Seattle control the clock in the second half. Walker also contributed in the passing game with 3 receptions for 28 yards, showing his dual-threat capability.
James Conner continued to be Arizona’s most dependable offensive weapon. He rushed for 85 yards on 20 carries and added 1 touchdown on a tough goal-line plunge. Conner’s physical running style kept Arizona in short-yardage situations, but his opportunities were limited as the Cardinals trailed. His ability to gain yards after contact remains one of the key strengths of the Cardinals’ offense.
Wide Receiver Highlights: Lockett, Metcalf, and Brown Shine
Tyler Lockett was the most consistent target for the Seahawks, hauling in 7 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown. His route-running was precise, and he repeatedly found soft spots in Arizona’s zone coverage. Lockett’s ability to stretch the field and make critical catches on third down made him Geno Smith’s go-to option throughout the game.
DK Metcalf added 5 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, including a contested catch in the red zone that demonstrated his elite athleticism. For the Cardinals, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown had a productive outing with 6 receptions for 89 yards and a score. His speed created mismatch opportunities, although the deep ball connection with Murray remained inconsistent under pressure.
Tight Ends and Supporting Cast: Key Contributors
Noah Fant made key contributions in the short passing game for Seattle, catching 4 passes for 39 yards. His blocks in the run game were also crucial, especially on Walker’s outside runs. The Seahawks utilized tight ends strategically to keep Arizona’s linebackers guessing, often rotating formations to create favorable matchups.
For the Cardinals, Trey McBride had a quiet day statistically but was involved in key blocking assignments and drew defensive attention that helped open up the field for Brown. His lone reception for 12 yards came on a crucial third down, extending a second-half drive that led to a field goal. While tight end production was modest, their impact was felt in more subtle ways.
Defensive Stars: Bobby Wagner and Budda Baker Lead the Charge
Bobby Wagner once again proved why he’s among the NFL’s elite linebackers. He led all players with 13 total tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and a sack. Wagner’s ability to diagnose plays and take perfect angles made him a nightmare for Arizona’s run game. His leadership anchored Seattle’s defense and set the tone from the opening snap.
Budda Baker was Arizona’s defensive standout, flying across the field with 10 tackles and a forced fumble. He delivered a game-changing hit that halted a Seahawks drive in the red zone. Baker’s intensity and instincts kept Arizona in the game defensively, especially when the Seahawks threatened to pull away in the third quarter.
Pass Rush and Sack Production: Pressure on the Pocket
Seattle’s defensive front created consistent pressure on Kyler Murray. Uchenna Nwosu recorded 1.5 sacks and hit the quarterback three times. His relentless pursuit off the edge disrupted several pass plays and forced Murray to make hurried decisions. Darrell Taylor added a sack of his own, as Seattle dialed up timely blitzes.
The Cardinals’ pass rush was less productive, managing only 1 sack on Geno Smith. Dennis Gardeck provided the lone sack, but Arizona struggled to collapse the pocket or force Smith into mistakes. Their lack of consistent pressure allowed Smith ample time to find open targets and maintain offensive momentum.
Turnovers and Key Defensive Plays: Game-Changing Moments
Seattle capitalized on the game’s only interception, with Tariq Woolen making a spectacular grab on an underthrown deep pass from Murray. The turnover resulted in a field goal and shifted momentum during a crucial stretch of the second half. Woolen’s coverage skills were on full display, limiting Arizona’s deep threats.
Arizona nearly forced a game-changing turnover when Budda Baker stripped Metcalf after a long reception, but the Seahawks recovered the loose ball. The Cardinals’ defense played aggressively, but their failure to capitalize on potential takeaways limited their chances to swing the momentum fully in their favor.
Special Teams Review: Field Goals, Punts, and Hidden Yardage
Seattle’s kicker Jason Myers had a perfect day, converting all 3 field goal attempts, including a 49-yarder in the third quarter. His reliability gave Seattle points on drives that stalled and maintained scoreboard pressure on Arizona. Punter Michael Dickson was also effective, averaging 48.3 yards per punt with excellent placement.
Arizona’s special teams were solid but not spectacular. Matt Prater hit both of his field goal attempts, including a 52-yard bomb. Punter Blake Gillikin averaged 46.7 yards per punt but had a crucial touchback on a kick that could have pinned Seattle inside their 10. The hidden yardage battle slightly favored the Seahawks.
Coaching Decisions and Game Management: Who Had the Edge?
Pete Carroll’s game plan emphasized balance, and his decision to stick with the run even when behind early helped Seattle control tempo. Clock management was another strong point, particularly in the fourth quarter where the Seahawks bled the clock effectively on back-to-back drives to secure the win.
Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon faced criticism for conservative play-calling on several fourth-down opportunities. A key decision to punt on 4th and short inside Seahawks territory late in the third quarter cost Arizona a chance to gain momentum. The overall discipline of the team was evident, but tactical risks were missing.
Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats Summary Table
| Category | Seahawks | Cardinals |
| Passing Yards | Geno Smith – 268 yds, 2 TDs | Kyler Murray – 215 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing Yards | Kenneth Walker – 97 yds | James Conner – 85 yds, 1 TD |
| Receiving Leader | Tyler Lockett – 112 yds, 1 TD | Marquise Brown – 89 yds, 1 TD |
| Tackles Leader | Bobby Wagner – 13 tackles | Budda Baker – 10 tackles, 1 FF |
| Sacks | Nwosu – 1.5, Taylor – 1 | Gardeck – 1 |
| Turnovers | 1 INT (Woolen) | 0 INT, 1 FF (not recovered) |
| Field Goals | Myers – 3/3 | Prater – 2/2 |
FAQs
Q: Who had the most receiving yards in the Seahawks vs Cardinals game?
A: Tyler Lockett led all receivers with 112 yards and a touchdown for the Seahawks.
Q: Which defensive player had the highest impact in the game?
A: Bobby Wagner of the Seahawks was a standout with 13 tackles, a sack, and multiple key stops.
Q: Did either quarterback throw an interception?
A: Kyler Murray threw one interception, while Geno Smith had zero turnovers.
Q: What was the most game-changing play?
A: Tariq Woolen’s interception in the third quarter shifted momentum and led to crucial points for Seattle.
Q: Who scored the rushing touchdown for the Cardinals?
A: James Conner scored Arizona’s only rushing touchdown on a short-yardage play in the red zone.
Conclusion
The Seahawks emerged as the better-rounded team, executing across all three phases. Geno Smith’s efficiency, paired with a balanced run game and timely defensive plays, allowed Seattle to dictate the game’s pace. The defense, led by Bobby Wagner and Tariq Woolen, forced key stops that swung momentum at critical junctures.
For the Cardinals, individual brilliance from Budda Baker and Marquise Brown wasn’t enough to overcome inconsistent execution. Kyler Murray showed flashes but lacked the sustained offensive rhythm necessary to challenge Seattle’s well-structured defense. This breakdown of the Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats clearly highlights Seattle’s superior depth and execution.
