Introduction
The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks are two teams in the NFC West division that have given fans countless exciting matchups over the years. Each season, their encounters are filled with passion, strategy, and individual player performances that help define the outcome. One of their recent contests showcased the gritty nature of both teams, with the Seahawks emerging victorious with a 23-20 win. But as with any closely contested game, it’s the player stats that tell the story of how this game played out.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the key player statistics from this Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks matchup. We’ll take a look at offensive production, defensive standouts, and special teams contributions, providing a comprehensive breakdown of the game. Whether you’re analyzing the game for personal insight or just want a more detailed understanding of what transpired, these player stats will give you a clear picture.
The Matchup Breakdown: Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
Before delving into the individual player stats, it’s important to understand how this game unfolded. The Arizona Cardinals entered the game with a 2-2 record, while the Seattle Seahawks were 3-1, riding high on a solid early-season performance. The game was held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where the Cardinals were looking to bounce back and improve their home record to 2-1.
The Game Flow
The first quarter began with both teams exchanging punts. The Cardinals went three and out on their first possession, and the Seahawks followed suit. However, it wasn’t long before Seattle struck first with a touchdown after a 7-play, 77-yard drive. Arizona was able to respond with a field goal but couldn’t capitalize further, as Seattle held a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Arizona continued to struggle offensively. Their drives were short, marked by two interceptions, and they failed to produce a touchdown. Meanwhile, Seattle extended their lead with another touchdown, culminating in a 90-yard drive that gave them a commanding 14-3 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter saw both teams struggle to put together efficient drives. Seattle was able to tack on a field goal, taking their lead to 17-3. Arizona answered with a field goal of their own but couldn’t close the gap significantly.
The fourth quarter was where the real drama unfolded. Arizona mounted a comeback with two touchdowns, tying the game at 20-20. However, Seattle had the final say, managing to drive down the field and kick a game-winning field goal with 28 seconds left to seal the win at 23-20.
Key Player Stats
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s break down some of the key player stats that played a significant role in the outcome of the game. We’ll look at the performances of both quarterbacks, key running backs, wide receivers, and defenders.
Quarterbacks: Russell Wilson vs. Kyler Murray
Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
Russell Wilson continues to be the heartbeat of the Seattle Seahawks offense. In this game, Wilson was efficient and effective, finishing with a 23-of-32 passing performance for 248 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Wilson’s decision-making was spot on, avoiding turnovers and making critical throws when needed. His ability to keep drives alive with his legs also played a significant role in Seattle’s offensive success. While he didn’t have a spectacular game by his standards, his performance was crucial in keeping the Seahawks in control of the game.
Key Stat: 23 completions on 32 attempts, 248 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
On the other side of the ball, Kyler Murray struggled for much of the game, particularly in the first half. He finished the game with 23 completions on 38 attempts for 221 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Murray’s mobility allowed him to extend plays and keep drives alive, but he also had a tendency to force passes into tight coverage, which led to the interceptions. Despite these mistakes, Murray showed resilience, leading a fourth-quarter comeback that nearly resulted in an upset win.
Key Stat: 23 completions on 38 attempts, 221 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs.
Running Backs: Control of the Ground Game
Chris Carson (Seattle Seahawks)
Chris Carson had a solid day on the ground, carrying the ball 16 times for 74 yards and 1 touchdown. Carson was an integral part of Seattle’s offensive plan, helping to keep the Arizona defense honest. His touchdown run, a 3-yard plunge, was a crucial moment in the game, putting the Seahawks up 14-3 in the second quarter.
Key Stat: 16 carries, 74 yards, 1 TD.
Kenyan Drake (Arizona Cardinals)
Kenyan Drake, who has been a steady force for the Cardinals, had a quieter game in this matchup. He carried the ball 13 times for 35 yards and failed to reach the end zone. Arizona’s inability to establish the run early in the game hurt them, as it forced Murray to drop back and throw more than they would have liked. Despite his lack of production, Drake’s presence on the field helped keep the defense from focusing solely on the passing game.
Key Stat: 13 carries, 35 yards.
Wide Receivers: Big Play Threats
DK Metcalf (Seattle Seahawks)
DK Metcalf continues to prove why he’s one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL. In this game, Metcalf caught 6 passes for 93 yards, showing his ability to create separation and make plays in the open field. His big-play ability stretched the Arizona defense, and he played a pivotal role in the Seahawks’ victory. His ability to get open on key third downs helped sustain drives when the team needed it most.
Key Stat: 6 receptions, 93 yards.
DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals)
DeAndre Hopkins, the Cardinals’ top target, had a relatively quiet day by his standards but still made an impact. Hopkins caught 6 passes for 60 yards and 1 touchdown. His touchdown, a 12-yard catch in the fourth quarter, helped the Cardinals tie the game at 20-20. Hopkins’ reliable hands and ability to make contested catches kept Arizona’s offense alive, even though the Cardinals struggled to move the ball consistently.
Key Stat: 6 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD.
Defenses: Impact Plays
Bobby Wagner (Seattle Seahawks)
Bobby Wagner, one of the NFL’s top linebackers, was a force on defense throughout the game. Wagner recorded 10 tackles and 1 pass deflection. His leadership on the field was evident as he consistently read plays and made key stops, particularly in the run game. Wagner’s presence in the middle of the defense helped the Seahawks limit the effectiveness of Arizona’s running game and disrupted passing lanes.
Key Stat: 10 tackles, 1 pass deflection.
Jalen Thompson (Arizona Cardinals)
Jalen Thompson was a standout for the Cardinals in the defensive backfield. Thompson made 8 tackles and was responsible for a critical interception that prevented the Seahawks from adding more points to their lead in the second quarter. His ability to read Wilson’s eyes and step in front of a pass helped Arizona stay within striking distance.
Key Stat: 8 tackles, 1 interception.
Special Teams: Critical Field Goals
The special teams played a pivotal role in this game, with both teams relying on their kickers to score points in critical situations.
Jason Myers (Seattle Seahawks)
Jason Myers had a solid day, converting all three of his field-goal attempts. His 47-yard field goal in the fourth quarter gave Seattle a crucial 23-20 lead. Myers also handled the kickoffs and extra points with consistency, adding to the overall stability of the Seahawks’ special teams unit.
Key Stat: 3 field goals, 3/3.
Matt Prater (Arizona Cardinals)
Matt Prater, the Cardinals’ kicker, had a mixed performance. He was successful on both of his field-goal attempts, including a long 48-yard kick. However, he wasn’t called upon for a game-winning try, as the Cardinals’ offense struggled to generate more opportunities. Prater’s reliability when needed, however, kept the game within reach for Arizona.
Key Stat: 2 field goals, 2/2.
Conclusion
In a game that featured many ups and downs, the Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks matchup came down to key moments and standout individual performances. Russell Wilson’s efficient play at quarterback, Bobby Wagner’s leadership on defense, and DK Metcalf’s big-play ability helped the Seahawks secure a narrow 23-20 win. For the Cardinals, Kyler Murray’s resilience in the face of adversity and DeAndre Hopkins’ timely touchdown catch almost resulted in a late-game comeback.
The player stats from this matchup tell the story of a game that was defined by moments of brilliance and costly mistakes. Both teams showed flashes of greatness, but Seattle ultimately capitalized on Arizona’s struggles to close out the game. These individual performances highlight the importance of execution in tight games, where every play counts.
FAQS
1. Who won the Arizona Cardinals vs. Seahawks game?
The Seattle Seahawks won the game 23-20 against the Arizona Cardinals.
2. What were the standout player stats for the Seahawks?
Russell Wilson threw for 248 yards and 1 touchdown, while DK Metcalf had 93 yards on 6 catches.
3. How did Kyler Murray perform in the Arizona Cardinals vs. Seahawks game?
Kyler Murray had 221 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions but showed resilience in a late-game comeback attempt.
4. What was the final score in the Arizona Cardinals vs. Seahawks game?
The final score was 23-20 in favor of the Seattle Seahawks.
5. What role did the kickers play in the Arizona Cardinals vs. Seahawks game?
Both Matt Prater (Cardinals) and Jason Myers (Seahawks) successfully made field goals, with Myers securing the game-winning kick.
