Last week, the Seattle Seahawks hit the road and visited the Kansas City Chiefs. In a close battle, the Seahawks fell to the Chiefs by a score of 24-20. This week, they take on the surprising Arizona Cardinals.
Last Week: Seattle Seahawks @ Kansas City Chiefs
In Week 11, the ‘Hawks took on a tall task as they visited the red hot Kansas City Chiefs, who were riding a four game win streak. The home of the Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium, is second only to the Seahawk’s home stadium when it comes to the noise that the fans generate – this was not going to be an easy ride for the Seahawks.
In an exciting back and forth affair, the Seattle fell to Kansas City by a score of 24-20. Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles had a monster day, rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns, which was enough to drop the ‘Hawks.
Seattle’s resident beast Marshawn Lynch, fresh off of a four touchdown performance, had a pretty decent day himself (124 rushing yards), but was unable to find the end zone against a stout defense.
The loss of offensive lineman Max Unger did not do the Seahawks any favors. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 178 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 71 yards.
This Week: Seattle Seahawks (6-4) vs. Arizona Cardinals (9-1)
Game Day: November 23
Kickoff: 1:05 p.m. PST
TV: Fox
In Week 12, the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals, who sit atop the league with the best record. Despite having the best record in the league, the Cardinals are the underdog in Vegas this week. CenturyLink Field is not exactly friendly to opponents; however, will it play a large role this week?
- Passing Offense: Seahawks – 30th / Cardinals – 11th
- Rushing Offense: Seahawks – 1st / Cardinals – 30th
- Passing Defense: Seahawks – 3rd / Cardinals – 29th
- Rushing Defense: Seahawks – 7th / Cardinals – 3rd
The Seahawks are being decimated by injuries. With full back Derrick Coleman and tight end Zach Miller already out due to injuries, the Seahawks lost center Max Unger in the game against the Chiefs. Without Unger, the ‘Hawks were unable to run the ball successfully in critical situations. Although it remains to be seen, will this be the blow that finally derails the Seahawks’ rushing attack?
On the other side of the ball, the Cardinals are being fed some adversity. They’ve already lost quarterback Carson Palmer for the year, due to a knee injury; however, they are currently looking at the prospect of being without star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald injured his knee in the first half of the game against the Detroit Lions.
It will be interesting to see how Marshawn Lynch fares against an excellent Arizona rushing defense. Will the injury to offensive lineman Max Unger be the blow that finally shuts down Seattle’s top ranked rushing offense? As a result, there may be more pressure on Russell Wilson to get yards on the ground. Seattle’s passing game is still sitting close to the bottom of the league, and it will not get going against a dangerous Arizona defense. Look for Arizona’s secondary to shut down Seattle’s receivers.
Arizona quarterback Drew Stanton filled in admirably for Carson Palmer, playing a decent game against an excellent Detroit Lions defense; however, he was playing at home. It will be a different situation when Stanton is required to lead an offense with the 12th Man on his back. Despite the potential loss of Larry Fitzgerald, the Cards still have very good receivers in Michael Floyd and John Brown, who will give the Legion of Boom something to think about. Arizona’s dual threat running back Andre Ellington will give Seattle’s defense a challenge, as he amasses yards on the ground, and through the air.
Despite this being a home game, this will be a tough match up for the Seahawks. The Seahawks will have to establish the run game early, and may have to rely on Russell Wilson to get the bulk of that yardage. The Seattle secondary will also be important, as they must shut down a big target in receiver Michael Floyd. The Seahawks’ defense will also have to shut down RB Andre Ellington and force backup QB Drew Stanton to throw and potentially make mistakes that they can capitalize upon.
Featured Image: Seahawks.com / Rod Mar
Follow Channels and Categories