The Seattle Seahawks delivered a statement win on Sunday, crushing the Arizona Cardinals 44-22 at Lumen Field in a game that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive dominance. With this victory, the Seahawks completed a season sweep of their NFC West rivals and sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Seattle is not just winning—they’re blowing teams out early and often.
Seahawks Set the Tone Early
Seattle wasted no time asserting control. Quarterback
Sam Darnold opened the scoring with a pinpoint touchdown pass to rising star
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished the day with 5 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown, including a highlight-reel 43-yard grab. Darnold was ruthlessly efficient, completing 10 of 12 passes for 178 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception before the Seahawks leaned on their ground game and defense to close out the contest.
The first quarter was historic: rookie running back
George Holani punched in a 9-yard rushing touchdown, helping Seattle tie its franchise record for most points scored in a first quarter with 21. By halftime, the Seahawks had built a commanding lead, and the Cardinals never seriously threatened.
DeMarcus Lawrence: The Defensive X-Factor
While the offense hummed, it was
DeMarcus Lawrence who truly stole the spotlight. The veteran defensive end scored not one, but two defensive touchdowns—both on fumble recoveries forced by linebacker
Tyrice Knight. Lawrence’s knack for being in the right place at the right time turned potential Cardinals drives into instant points for Seattle, demoralizing Arizona and electrifying the home crowd.
Head coach
Mike Macdonald praised his team’s “relentless energy and execution” in a postgame speech, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on turnovers and playing with swagger.
Cardinals’ Struggles Continue
For Arizona, the loss deepens an already troubling season. Quarterback
Jacoby Brissett struggled to find rhythm against Seattle’s aggressive front, and the Cardinals’ offense sputtered despite the return of key playmakers like tight end
Trey McBride and rookie receiver
Marvin Harrison Jr.. Running back
James Conner was sidelined with a foot injury, further limiting Arizona’s options.
The Cardinals’ defense, already suspect against tight ends and big plays, had no answers for Seattle’s balanced attack. Arizona has now dropped six straight games, raising serious questions about the team’s direction and future leadership.
What This Means for the NFC West
With this win, the Seahawks not only sweep the Cardinals for the season but also keep pace in a competitive NFC West. Seattle’s blend of veteran leadership, emerging stars, and opportunistic defense has them looking like a legitimate playoff threat as the season enters its second half.
For the Cardinals, the focus shifts to development and evaluation. With the playoffs out of reach, Arizona’s coaching staff will be under pressure to show progress and keep the locker room engaged through a difficult stretch.
Key Takeaways
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Sam Darnold continues to impress as Seattle’s starter, showing poise and efficiency.
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DeMarcus Lawrence’s two defensive touchdowns were the turning point, highlighting Seattle’s opportunistic defense.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba is emerging as a true No. 1 receiver for the Seahawks.
- The
Cardinals’ losing streak now stands at six, with injuries and inconsistency plaguing the roster.
Seattle fans have reason to celebrate, while Arizona faces tough questions about its future. One thing is clear: the Seahawks are peaking at the right time, and the rest of the NFC should take notice.
Sources
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6. Cardinals place Kyler Murray on IR with a continued foot injury
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9. Seahawks 44-22 Cardinals (Nov 9, 2025) Game Recap
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