Recap of Seahawks vs Cardinals on Thursday Night Football Seattle Triumphs 23-20
**Seahawks Secure Victory Despite Cardinals’ Late Rally**
The Seattle Seahawks clinched a narrow victory against the Arizona Cardinals, highlighted by standout performances in the game’s closing moments. Despite a rocky start, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Sam Darnold, and Kyler Murray played pivotal roles in this thrilling NFL matchup.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Shines in Final Quarter
After a slow start, Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a key player in the fourth quarter. He caught four passes for 79 yards, contributing significantly to the Seahawks’ game-winning drive. Key moments included two crucial third-down conversions and a 22-yard reception that set up Jason Myers’ decisive field goal. Myers, who had earlier missed a 53-yard attempt, was given a second chance after a risky kickoff from Cardinals’ kicker Chad Ryland placed the Seahawks on the favorable 40-yard line.
Marvin Harrison Jr. Finds His Stride in Arizona
Marvin Harrison Jr. experienced a challenging start, with missed opportunities and two interceptions thrown by quarterback Kyler Murray on passes intended for him. Despite the early setbacks, Harrison redeemed himself in the second half, recording a striking touchdown and four receptions in the fourth quarter. Harrison’s catch from Murray’s pass had only a 26.0% completion probability, marking it as the ninth-most improbable touchdown of the season according to Next Gen Stats.
Sam Darnold’s Clutch Plays Propel Seahawks
Sam Darnold proved instrumental for the Seahawks, orchestrating a critical seven-play, 90-yard touchdown drive in the first half. His impressive 32-yard pass to Elijah Arroyo and nimble 24-yard scramble showcased his skill. Although the Cardinals threatened a comeback, Darnold’s late-game execution, including a crucial connection with Smith-Njigba, ensured the Seahawks emerged victorious.
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ Missed Opportunities
Kyler Murray struggled to find consistency throughout the game due to Seattle’s relentless defensive pressure. However, he rallied in the final minutes, delivering two touchdown passes to rekindle hope for the Cardinals. Despite these efforts, early-game deficiencies proved costly, and Arizona fell short of capitalizing on their opportunities.
Seattle’s Defense and Field Goal Strategy Evaluated
Seattle’s defense held strong for most of the game, applying pressure from all angles despite losing key player Demarcus Lawrence to a thigh injury. The team forced Murray into rushed throws, impacting his performance. However, the Seahawks’ decision to settle for field goals, notably on a fourth-and-2 situation, nearly opened the door for an Arizona comeback. Fortunately, Jason Myers redeemed his earlier miss by securing the game-winning kick.
Additional Insights and Historical Highlights
- Kyler Murray’s improbable touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr. was one of the season’s least likely completions, with just 0.3 yards of separation noted on the play.
- Defensive standout Calais Campbell recorded a sack on the Seahawks, echoing his first career sack against them back in 2009.
Overall, the Seahawks’ win against the Cardinals was a test of resilience, with crucial plays making the difference in a game that went down to the wire.
