Seahawks @ Cardinals
Final Score: Seahawks 31, Cardinals 21
Writer: Matthew Theodosopoulos (@FreeMattyTee on Twitter)
The Seahawks win streak continues, as they beat the Cardinals for the second time of the season. Geno Smith and Ken Walker have the Seahawks offense rolling, and the defense is humming. Arizona tried to keep things interesting, only for Seattle to put things away. It was a relatively quiet game for the Cardinals offense, but they still managed to put 21 points up on the board.
Seattle Seahawks
Quarterback
Geno Smith: 26/34, 275 Yards, 2 TD, INT | 6 Carries, 38 Yards
What can be said about Geno Smith that hasn’t already been said? This man is playing like a top 5 quarterback and has the Seahawks expertly positioned to succeed for the rest of the season. He came out swinging this game, beginning with a tight touchdown pass to DK Metcalf early. He did have a very uncharacteristic pick 6 in the third quarter. It seemed as though Geno just did not see the defender in the area, as it was a pretty clear-cut defensive play. Still, he shook it off and continued to lead touchdown drives en route to a win in the desert.
Running Back
Kenneth Walker III: 26 Carries, 109 Yards, 2 TD | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 20 Yards
Travis Homer: 1 Carry, 7 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards
In the backfield, Ken Walker actually began the game quite slow, not finding the endzone until the third quarter. But Pete Carroll is a good coach and knows not to abandon an aspect of the game just because it may not be working yet. Walker would find the endzone two times in the second half and continue his streak of running game dominance. Credit to the Seahawks’ offensive line, too. Walker is a special player that is near impossible to bring down alone. He also caught three passes which is nice to see. Travis Homer is a great change of pace player as well as third-down back. It seems as though he always comes through and makes at least one play.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Noah Fant: 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 96 Yards
Tyler Lockett: 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 67 Yards, TD
DK Metcalf: 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 37 Yards, TD
Will Dissly: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 24 Yards
Colby Parkinson: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 6 Yards
Dee Eskridge: 2 Targets
This week, we’ll start with the tight ends. Noah Fant led all Seattle pass catchers in targets and yards. He had a big catch in the first quarter as long as a deep catch towards the end of the game. It was awesome to watch. Will Dissly and Colby Parkinson saw another 8 combined targets, as the Seahawks continue to get all three tight ends involved. There was a fourth down play specifically for Parkinson that did not end up working but shows how Seattle likes to use their tight ends. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett both caught touchdowns. Lockett’s yardage is a bit inflated from a meaningless play before halftime, but who’s counting? The Seahawks’ offense looks formidable in all aspects.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray: 25/35, 175 Yards, 2 TD | 8 Carries, 60 Yards, 1 Fumble (Lost), 1 Fumble (Recovered)
Anytime you watch Kyler Murray play football, it’s impossible not to notice the speed and escapability that makes him such a special player. When Kyler runs, it seems purposeful. He knows what he’s doing. As he did in the first matchup with the Seahawks, Kyler did fumble on a scramble, with Ryan Neal poking the ball loose. Outside of that play, Kyler didn’t make too many mistakes. He had a semi-quiet game, but still managed 60 yards on the ground. The Seahawks’ defense has really stepped up their game recently which is a factor in seeing a quiet game from Murray.
Running Back
James Conner: 7 Carries, 45 Yards | 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 19 Yards | 1 Fumble (Recovered)
Eno Benjamin: 4 Carries, 12 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 15 Yards
The Cardinals, on the other hand, got away from the run game rather quickly. James Conner returned to action, but only handled 7 carries. He looked good on those carries, making them count for 45 yards. But Arizona fell behind after their first touchdown and couldn’t quite get the lead back throughout the game, leading to more of a pass-heavy game script. Conner also caught all 5 of his targets, but only for 19 yards. The Seahawks have been good about bottling up running backs in the passing game as of recent. With Conner’s return, Eno Benjamin didn’t get too many opportunities. His 1 catch was a pretty sweet play, but Benjamin returned to his switch-up role this week.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Rondale Moore: 10 Targets, 8 Receptions, 69 Yards
Zach Ertz: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 40 Yards, TD
DeAndre Hopkins: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 36 Yards, TD
Robbie Anderson: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, -4 Yards
After catching the game’s first touchdown in the first quarter, DeAndre Hopkins was not heard from much for the rest of the game. It was Rondale Moore who absorbed all of the targets this week, catching 8 passes for 69 yards. With Hollywood out, you can really tell the Cardinals have attempted to get Moore involved often in the slot. He is an exciting player in space, but was held mostly in check Sunday against Seattle. Zach Ertz continues to be a solid tight end performer every week, catching the other Cardinals’ offensive touchdown. Robbie Anderson looked awful, dropping an easy pass that hit him right in the hands on a play that would have converted a third down into a first down. Not the best day for the Arizona WR group, but again, Seattle’s defense has found itself.