In a pivotal NFC West matchup, the Arizona Cardinals missed a significant opportunity to contend for the division lead, falling to the Seattle Seahawks with a final score of 30-18 at State Farm Stadium on Sunday. This loss brings the Cardinals’ record to 6-7, while the Seahawks improve to 8-5, solidifying their position at the top of the division alongside the 49ers and Rams.
The game started off promising for Arizona as Kyler Murray connected with Michael Wilson for a 42-yard touchdown on the opening drive, giving the Cardinals an early lead. However, the Seahawks quickly responded with 17 unanswered points, largely capitalizing on two first-quarter interceptions thrown by Murray.
As the game progressed, Arizona managed to narrow the gap to 27-18 with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Murray to James Conner and a successful two-point conversion. Despite this effort, the Cardinals were unable to fully close the distance in the fourth quarter. Murray’s performance included 259 passing yards with two touchdowns but was marred by those two critical interceptions. On the ground, Conner contributed significantly with 90 rushing yards on 18 attempts.
For Seattle, running back Zach Charbonnet stepped up in place of the injured Kenneth Walker, showcasing an impressive performance with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Geno Smith also had a strong day, completing 24 of 30 passes for 233 yards and two scores.
The contest saw missed opportunities for the Cardinals, including a crucial 40-yard field goal attempt by Chad Ryland that hit the upright when they were still within reach. This setback came after a strong drive that had brought them near scoring position.
Following the defeat, the Cardinals have work to do if they wish to stay competitive in the playoff race. With the ability to produce strong plays, like Murray’s touchdown pass to Wilson, and the talent in their roster, there’s still hope for a turnaround in the coming weeks. Building momentum and reducing turnovers will be crucial for Arizona as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.
In terms of upcoming schedules, fans can look forward to opportunities for the Cardinals to reclaim their footing in the NFC West, demonstrating that despite this setback, the season is far from over.