After an upset loss in Week 3, the Seattle Seahawks are back on track with a convincing victory over their division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals. Not only did the Seahawks win, but they accomplished two things that have plagued the team in the Valley of the Sun in recent years. First, Seattle was able to win comfortably, as the last few games in Arizona have been much closer than expected. Secondly, the Seahawks escaped the matchup with no new injuries.
The last two games in Arizona were especially brutal for Seattle, resulting in season-ending injuries to Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Will Dissly. This year, the Seahawks cruised to a 17-point victory over a Cardinals team that has been surprisingly more competitive than expected. In fact, Sunday was the lowest point total the Cardinals have scored this year.
Week 4 was an all-around solid win for the Seahawks, something to give them confidence as they prepare to face the Rams — who were upset by the Buccaneers at home — on Thursday night.
Here are four studs and only one dud for Seattle in the desert:
No. 1 Stud – Chris Carson
It had been a rough start to the season, to say the least, for Seattle’s No. 1 running back. Fumble issues have plagued the third-year pro in a big way so far, which threatened his status as the starter.
Carson put those concerns to rest for now after a dominating performance. Carson looked like his usual, bruising self as he rumbled for 104 yards on 22 carries. He may not have found the end zone, but Carson’s dominance on the ground kept the chains moving for Seattle as the Seahawks ground down the clock in the second half.
Carson’s first 100-yard performance of the year came at the right time, and Seattle’s faith in him was rewarded.
No. 1 Dud – DK Metcalf
It can be admittedly hard to find fault when an NFL team wins by 17 points on the road against a division rival, but if there was a weak point on Sunday for Seattle, it was the rookie wide receiver.
Metcalf’s hot start to his career cooled in Arizona. He was targeted four times but only hauled in one pass for six yards.
No one will have a great game every week, and considering how crucial Metcalf has been to Seattle’s offense this year, there is little cause for concern he won’t be able to bounce back. If nothing else, it’s encouraging for the Seahawks they were able to get a road win without production from their star receiver.
No. 2 Stud – Will Dissly
All Dissly does is produce for the Seahawks. The second-year pro from Washington does not look like a man who suffered a torn patellar tendon last season.
Coincidentally, it was a Week 4 game in Arizona last season when Dissly was lost for the year. On Sunday it seems he got a little bit of revenge by hauling in seven of eight passes targeted his way for 57 yards and a touchdown. As a result, Dissly ended the day as Seattle’s leading pass catcher.
With all the hype surrounding Metcalf and the focus on Tyler Lockett, Dissly just might be Seattle’s secret weapon this season.
No. 3 Studs – Seahawks defensive front
Last week the Seahawks pass rush wasn’t able to get close enough to even breathe on Teddy Bridgewater. On Sunday, the Seahawks took full advantage of Arizona’s weak offensive line and made life miserable for rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.
The elusive Murray was being harassed from start to finish, as Seattle was able to sack him four times. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks led the team with two sacks, and defensive end Ziggy Ansah had one of his own. Second-year defensive end Rasheem Green even got one as well.
All three defenders also registered tackles for loss, showing their effectiveness stopping Arizona running back David Johnson.
No. 4 Stud – Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney may be a defensive end, but throwing the ball in his direction appears to be ill advised these days.
Clowney came into the game with two pass deflections already on the year, and on Sunday he upped the ante by intercepting a screen pass and returning it for a touchdown.
Clowney’s pick-six, the first for the Seahawks in 2019, gave Seattle its first touchdown of the day and an early 10-0 lead.
A performance like this could seriously aid Seattle on Thursday night against the Rams.
