In a gripping showdown at Lumen Field, the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) claimed a hard-fought 16-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals (6-5), marking their sixth consecutive win against their division rivals. This decisive win brought an end to the Cardinals’ four-game winning streak and momentarily positioned the Seahawks at the top of the NFC West.

The game, characterized by its defensive intensity, witnessed a staggering total of ten sacks and just one offensive touchdown. The scoring opened up late in the second quarter with a 35-yard field goal from the Cardinals, breaking the silence after a scoreless first quarter. However, the Seahawks soon regained momentum with a thrilling 46-yard reception by rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which set him up for a 3-yard touchdown run.

Seattle's defense was the story of the day, particularly highlighted by cornerback Coby Bryant’s spectacular 69-yard pick-six that followed an egregious overthrow from Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. This play transformed the momentum, putting the Seahawks ahead 13-3 and showcasing their defensive prowess throughout the match.

With the game hanging in the balance, a late 50-yard field goal from the Seahawks sealed the deal, while a last-minute miss from a 47-yard attempt by the Cardinals extinguished any hopes of a comeback.

Seahawks’ Defense Shines Bright

Despite coming into the game ranked seventh in points per drive, the Cardinals’ offense stumbled against a stout Seahawks defense, led by defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Star quarterback Kyler Murray faced fierce pressure, getting sacked five times, with James Conner—known for his tough running—managing only 8 yards on 7 carries. The Seahawks effectively neutralized all Cardinal strategies except for tight end Trey McBride, who had a remarkable 12 catches for 133 yards, setting a franchise record.

Cardinals Struggling for Solutions

For the Cardinals, the performance against Seattle was a stark contrast to their recent success. With the return of right tackle Jonah Williams following a lengthy injury absence, the offensive line struggled to establish any rhythm. Murray, despite completing 24 of 37 passes for 285 yards, suffered a pick-six and was often under duress from the Seahawks’ relentless pass rush. This loss exposed the Cardinals’ vulnerabilities and their need for a stronger offensive approach moving forward.

Seeking Redemption: The Path Ahead for Arizona

Looking ahead, the Cardinals need to regroup quickly from this setback. Although their defense held strong at times—highlighted by Garrett Williams’ end-zone interception—the inability to halt the Seahawks in critical moments ultimately cost them the game. As they aim to bounce back from this defeat, Arizona must refine their offensive strategy to stay competitive in the tight NFC West race, where every game counts.

Leonard Williams: A Game-Changer for Seattle

One of the standout performances came from defensive tackle Leonard Williams, whose trade acquisition earlier in the season proved vital. Williams delivered a stellar performance with four quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks, disrupting the Cardinals’ game plan effectively. His contributions underscored the Seahawks' decision to secure his talents, as they continue to build momentum toward their playoff aspirations.

In conclusion, with this victory, the Seahawks not only took the NFC West lead but showcased a formidable defense that could play a crucial role in their quest for postseason success. The next weeks in the NFL will be pivotal for all teams in this competitive division. Stay tuned for further developments as the playoff picture unfolds!