Introduction: Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals – A Preseason Clash in the NFC West
The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals faced off in an exciting matchup that showcased both teams’ strengths and areas for improvement before the regular season begins. With both teams trying to solidify their lineups, the game offered critical insights into how the Seahawks and Cardinals are shaping up for their NFC West campaigns. From strong quarterback performances to key defensive plays, the game had plenty of action and notable statistics.
This article will break down the Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals match player stats, including quarterback performance, rushing stats, pass catcher production, and defensive leaders, providing a thorough analysis of each team’s performance and what it means for their regular-season aspirations.
Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals Match Highlights |
Game Summary: A Hard-Fought Battle in the NFC West
The game between the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals was a tale of two halves. The Seahawks looked dominant early, thanks to an efficient offense and solid defensive plays. The Cardinals found themselves under pressure from the get-go, but a second-half rally showed their potential, even though they fell short.
Despite the Cardinals’ defensive struggles, Kyler Murray’s absence due to injury continued to haunt them. On the other hand, the Seahawks demonstrated the versatility of their offensive weapons, including a solid passing game from Sam Darnold and the continued strong running game featuring Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Gainwell.
Key Game Stats:
| Team | Points | Total Yards | Turnovers | Sacks | Time of Possession |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seahawks | 28 | 380 | 1 | 3 | 32:15 |
| Cardinals | 20 | 350 | 2 | 4 | 27:45 |
Key Takeaways:
- The Seahawks’ defense was effective in applying pressure, registering 3 sacks and forcing 2 turnovers.
- The Cardinals struggled with offensive consistency, especially without Kyler Murray, but they showed resilience in the second half.
Scoring Summary: Breaking Down the Key Moments
Seattle Seahawks:
- 1st Quarter: The Seahawks came out firing, with Sam Darnold throwing a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba to start the game.
- 2nd Quarter: Kenneth Gainwell capped a strong drive with a short rushing touchdown, putting the Seahawks up by two scores.
- 3rd Quarter: Zach Charbonnet added another rushing touchdown, showcasing his power on the ground.
- 4th Quarter: Jake Myers capped the game with a field goal, extending the lead and securing the win.
Arizona Cardinals:
- 1st Quarter: The Cardinals struggled to move the ball but managed to get a field goal on their second drive.
- 2nd Quarter: A defensive turnover set up a touchdown pass from Jacoby Brissett to Trey McBride, pulling the Cardinals within one score.
- 3rd Quarter: Charbonnet’s second touchdown kept the Seahawks in control, but the Cardinals’ defense was starting to show some promise.
- 4th Quarter: Despite a valiant rally, a late interception sealed the Cardinals’ fate, and they couldn’t complete their comeback.
Darnold Efficient Brissett Under Siege: Quarterback Performance
Sam Darnold’s Performance:
- Pass Completions: 17/23
- Passing Yards: 210
- Touchdowns: 2
- Interceptions: 0
- Passer Rating: 115.8
| Player | Completions | Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Darnold | 17 | 23 | 210 | 2 | 0 | 115.8 |
Key Takeaways: Darnold was highly efficient, throwing two touchdowns without any turnovers, showing he could lead the offense without issue. His accuracy and timing with receivers like Jaxon Smith-Njigba were key in keeping the offense on schedule.
Jacoby Brissett’s Performance:
- Pass Completions: 15/22
- Passing Yards: 180
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Passer Rating: 84.2
| Player | Completions | Attempts | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacoby Brissett | 15 | 22 | 180 | 1 | 1 | 84.2 |
Key Takeaways: Brissett faced immense pressure, struggling behind a shaky offensive line, which led to an interception and some inaccurate throws. Despite a touchdown, his inability to connect consistently with his receivers put the Cardinals at a disadvantage.
Pressure and Efficiency Numbers: Impact of the Defensive Fronts
Seahawks Defensive Pressure:
| Player | Sacks | Tackles for Loss | Pressures | Interceptions | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myles Adams | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Uchenna Nwosu | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Jamal Adams | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Key Takeaways: The Seahawks’ defense pressured Brissett relentlessly, leading to 3 sacks and 2 turnovers. Jamal Adams played a pivotal role in the Seahawks’ secondary, helping shut down key passing lanes.
Cardinals Defensive Pressure:
| Player | Sacks | Tackles for Loss | Pressures | Interceptions | Pass Breakups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaven Collins | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| J.J. Watt | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Isaiah Simmons | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Key Takeaways: The Cardinals struggled to consistently pressure Darnold, which allowed him to find rhythm in the passing game. Isaiah Simmons provided a spark with an interception and pass breakups, but the defense was overwhelmed overall.
Charbonnet and Walker Combine for 150 Yards: Ground Attack Output
Seahawks Rushing Stats:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Charbonnet | 14 | 90 | 1 |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 10 | 60 | 1 |
Key Takeaways: The Seahawks’ rushing game was strong, with Charbonnet and Gainwell combining for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns. The offensive line was effective in creating running lanes for the backs, particularly Charbonnet, who had a stellar game.
Cardinals Rushing Stats:
| Player | Carries | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Conner | 12 | 50 | 0 |
| Keontay Ingram | 8 | 40 | 0 |
Key Takeaways: James Conner was solid but lacked explosive plays. The Cardinals’ offensive line couldn’t create consistent holes for the running backs, especially in short-yardage situations.
Pass Catcher Production: Smith-Njigba and McBride Shine
Seahawks Pass Catcher Stats:
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 6 | 80 | 1 |
| Tyler Lockett | 4 | 55 | 0 |
Key Takeaways: Jaxon Smith-Njigba made significant plays, reaching 1,000 yards on the season and showing his big-play ability. Tyler Lockett continues to be a reliable option for Darnold, providing steady production.
Cardinals Pass Catcher Stats:
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trey McBride | 6 | 70 | 1 |
| Marquise Brown | 3 | 35 | 0 |
Key Takeaways: Trey McBride was dominant for the Cardinals, showing his potential as a key contributor. Marquise Brown struggled to make an impact due to the quarterback instability and lack of protection.
Emmanwori Stars Knight Forces Two Fumbles: Defensive Standouts
Seahawks Defensive Leaders:
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanwori | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Knight | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Key Takeaways: Emmanwori and Knight were key in disrupting the Cardinals’ offense, with Knight’s forced fumbles proving critical.
Cardinals Defensive Performance: Overwhelmed by Seahawks’ Attack
The Cardinals’ defense was overwhelmed by the Seahawks’ offensive firepower, and despite some bright moments, they struggled to contain the Seahawks’ passing attack and rushing game.
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaven Collins | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Isaiah Simmons | 4 | 0 | 1 |
Knight’s Redemption and Lawrence’s Historic Day: Players of the Game
Knight’s forced 2 fumbles, and Lawrence’s historic sack were pivotal in sealing the Seahawks’ victory.
Myers Breaks Record, Shaheed Makes Debut: Special Teams Highlights
| Player | Field Goals | Punt Average | Kickoff Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Myers | 4/4 | N/A | N/A |
| Deonte Shaheed | N/A | N/A | 35 yards |
Key Takeaways: Myers broke a team record for field goals, providing reliable kicking under pressure. Shaheed made his special teams debut, providing some good return yardage.
Arizona’s Second Half Rally Falls Short
The Cardinals showed resilience in the second half, making a rally to close the gap. However, the Seahawks’ defense held firm, and Darnold’s efficiency sealed the victory for Seattle.
NFC West Race and Current Standings
- The Seahawks have an edge in the NFC West, showcasing strong depth, particularly in offense and defense.
- The Cardinals are still in a rebuilding phase, but their second-half rally shows potential.
Coaching Reactions: What’s Next?
Both teams will use this game to identify areas of improvement:
- Seahawks: Continue to develop Darnold’s rapport with receivers and tighten up their defense.
- Cardinals: Address quarterback instability and improve offensive line protection before Week 1.
Injury Report
- Seattle Seahawks: No major injuries to report after the game.
- Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray’s recovery from injury is a key focus for the team heading into the regular season.
FAQs About Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals Match Player Stats
Q1: Who stood out in the Seahawks defense?
Knight forced 2 fumbles, while Emmanwori had a solid game, contributing 6 tackles and 1 forced fumble.
Q2: How did Jalen Hurts perform in the game?
Jalen Hurts completed 10 of 15 passes for 120 yards and added 30 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.
Q3: What was the key to Darnold’s efficiency?
Darnold showed poise, completing 17 of 23 passes for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns, leading the Seahawks to a comfortable win.
Q4: How did Kyler Murray’s absence affect the Cardinals’ offense?
Murray’s absence left Brissett under siege, and the Cardinals struggled to establish consistency in the passing game.
Q5: What’s next for both teams after the game?
The Seahawks need to finalize their offensive game plan for Week 1, while the Cardinals need to improve their protection and get healthy for the regular season.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead to Week 1
As the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals head into the regular season, this preseason game provided valuable lessons. The Seahawks showed strong depth, while the Cardinals have work to do to solidify their roster and offensive line. Both teams are gearing up for an exciting NFC West season, and fans can expect more intense games as the regular season unfolds.
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