When the NFL schedules are released in April, the annual trip to CenturyLink Field is always circled by Cardinals fans. The rivalry between the Cardinals and the Seahawks has produced some very memorable games over the past few years. Sunday will mark the second matchup between Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson, two of the league’s more dynamic quarterbacks.
Before we dive into Sunday’s matchup, here were some of the previous games at CenturyLink Field:
2018: The Cardinals lose on a last-second field goal by Sebastian Janikowski after a near-comeback by quarterback Josh Rosen.
2017: Blair Walsh misses a potential game-winning field goal as the Drew Stanton-lead Cardinals upset Seattle in Bruce Arians’ final game with the team
2016: Quarterback Carson Palmer and David Johnson put on an offensive clinic as the Cardinals win on a last-second Chandler Catanzaro field goal.
2015: The Cardinals and MVP candidate Carson Palmer get a statement victory on Sunday Night Football against the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks.
2014″ The Cardinals are unable to find any offensive momentum and lose 19-3 in disappointing fashion.
2013: In a game dominated by defense, Carson Palmer finds Michael Floyd on a long pass down the sideline to beat Seattle and keep their playoff hopes alive.
2012: The Cardinals suffer arguably their worse loss in team history, losing 58-0.
So, aside from two outings, the Cardinals and Seahawks games have always been very fun.
At this point in the season, there are fans who want the team to lose in favor of a higher draft pick. They’ve given up on the season and are already thinking about their favorite college player. In a game like this, fans should want to see a Cardinals victory, for a signature win against the No. 1 seed of the NFC would go a long way in the direction of the franchise. It could make the Cardinals a more attractive destination for free agents, which would improve the team quicker than any draft pick would. All in all, beating Seattle would be very beneficial to the outside view of the Cardinals.
With that said, let’s preview this game.
Vance Joseph’s defensive unit played much better against the Cleveland Browns, but can they slow down the MVP-candidate Russell Wilson?
Many across the NFL are amazed at the play of Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in 2019, but it really isn’t a surprise to the Cardinals and their fans. Wilson has been consistently amazing, and often overlooked, in his career.
The first half of the season saw him as the clear favorite to win MVP, and while he may since have lost that title to Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, his season has been incredible nonetheless. Wilson has thrown 28 touchdown passes to only five interceptions.
Seattle’s offense is mostly familiar faces for the Cards, with Tyler Lockett and Chris Carson still the most productive weapons for Wilson. On top of the consistent contributions of Lockett and Carson, rookie DK Metcalf has made an impact early and often. His 819 receiving yards lead all rookie wideouts, and his ability in contested catches has carried over from his collegiate days.
The Seahawks primarily want to establish their rushing attack with Chris Carson, giving Russell Wilson favorable looks off play action. Or, in the case of Seattle’s last meeting with the Cardinals in Glendale, Carson will just do all the work. Carson had a few key broken tackles that put Arizona back in place whenever some momentum came their way. Joseph’s crew must show improvement in this matchup.
A garbage-time touchdown by the Cleveland Browns last Sunday kept a very ugly statline for the Cardinals defense — they haven’t held an opponent to under 21 points once this year. While last week’s game was certainly encouraging, one would believe Russell Wilson will get at least 21 points.
A chance for Kyler Murray to put up big numbers and help his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year
The Seahawks have a few key injuries going into this game, most of which are on the defensive side of the ball.
Safety Quandre Diggs and Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney are listed as doubtful for Sunday’s matchup. Seattle’s struggles in rushing the passer this season were present even with Clowney in the lineup. The Cardinals’ offensive line has a chance to have another great game following their dominant performance against the Cleveland Browns. As for Diggs, his absence is obviously beneficial for the Cards, as he’s proven his ballhawk abilities following his trade from the Detroit Lions.
Listed as questionable for Seattle is cornerback Shaquill Griffin, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, and left tackle Duane Brown. The pileup of injuries, particularly on the defensive side, gives Kyler Murray an intriguing opportunity. Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs has been phenomenal this season, and appears to be regarded as the current favorite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award come February. However, he has been ruled out this week due to injury, and possibly the rest of the year. Murray having a good couple of games to close out the year coupled with the injury to Jacobs could be very beneficial to his chances for the award.
While Seattle’s defense has certainly been suspect in some games this year, they shut down the Cardinals in their week four matchup. The Cardinals offense only scored ten points, with their first touchdown coming midway through the fourth quarter. Since that game, Russell Wilson has only played better and better. Kliff Kingsbury’s unit can’t afford to put that much pressure on his defense Seattle’s injuries give Kyler Murray and company the chance to bounce back from that performance.
Final Thoughts
The annual trip to CenturyLink Field is always one of my favorites. The Cardinals have shown their ability to play very well in these matchups and they’re usually exciting games to watch.
A victory here could go a long way. The Cardinals, with their highest cap space in years, will need a strong free agency class in 2020. Beating the No. 1 seed Seahawks would certainly be convincing in the team’s direction for free agents of interest.
LT Duane Brown’s potential absence could be big for the Cardinals, as Chandler Jones has been nothing short of dominant in 2019.
Justin Pugh and Christian Kirk are questionable to play Sunday, although the trend this year suggests they’ll play.
See you all next week for the season finale against the Rams.
