The Seattle Seahawks delivered a statement win on Sunday, dismantling the Arizona Cardinals 44-22 at Lumen Field in a game that showcased defensive dominance, explosive offense, and a Cardinals team searching for answers. The victory keeps Seattle tied atop the NFC West and raises new questions about Arizona’s direction as their season continues to unravel.
Seahawks Set the Tone Early
Seattle wasted no time asserting control, racing to a
21-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback
Sam Darnold was sharp and efficient, connecting on 10 of 12 passes for 178 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown strike to rising star
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished with 5 catches for 93 yards. The Seahawks’ offense looked balanced and aggressive, but it was the defense that truly stole the show.
DeMarcus Lawrence’s Defensive Masterclass
Veteran defensive end
DeMarcus Lawrence turned in a career performance, scoring
two defensive touchdowns—a feat he had only accomplished twice in his previous 148 NFL games. Both scores came on fumble recoveries, each forced by linebacker
Tyrice Knight, and each one further demoralized a Cardinals offense that struggled to find rhythm all afternoon.
Seattle’s defense was relentless, holding Arizona to just 7 points in the first half and forcing multiple turnovers. By halftime, the Seahawks led 38-7, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Cardinals’ Struggles Continue
The loss drops Arizona to
3-6 on the season, deepening a troubling stretch that has fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction. With starting quarterback
Kyler Murray on injured reserve due to a lingering foot injury, backup
Jacoby Brissett was unable to spark the offense, and the Cardinals’ defense had no answers for Seattle’s multi-pronged attack.
Arizona managed to score 15 points in the second half, but much of it came after the outcome was already decided. The Cardinals’ inability to protect the football and generate stops on defense proved costly once again.
What This Means for the NFC West
With the win, the Seahawks improve to
7-2, keeping pace with the Los Angeles Rams atop the division. Head coach
Mike Macdonald continues to impress in his first season, guiding Seattle to a 3-2 home record and positioning the team as a legitimate playoff contender.
For Arizona, the defeat marks another setback in a season marred by injuries and inconsistency. The team’s playoff hopes are fading fast, and attention may soon shift to evaluating young talent and planning for the future.
Key Takeaways
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DeMarcus Lawrence’s two defensive touchdowns were the turning point, energizing the Seahawks and stunning the Cardinals.
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Sam Darnold delivered a near-flawless performance, while
Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his breakout campaign.
- The
Cardinals’ quarterback woes and defensive lapses remain glaring issues as the season enters its second half.
Seattle’s next challenge will be maintaining this momentum as the playoff race heats up, while Arizona faces tough questions about its roster and coaching staff.
Sources
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12. Will Trey McBride play against the Seattle Seahawks tonight? Latest ...
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