Intriguing Game- Week 11
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Cardinals: I have my moments with them. I can explain it. One week, they look dominant. I’m talking about putting games away and winning games you wouldn’t expect. Then, you have weeks when they don’t show so the concern for inconsistency is there. They had me on the edge of my seat on Sunday. The Buffalo Bills marched down the field and scored the go-ahead touchdown. Then came the play of the year. Kyler Murray throwing a Hail Mary to DeAndre Hopkins for the win. That game put the Arizona Cardinals at the top of the NFC West for the time being. What I enjoy about them is how gritty they are. They play hard and they don’t lay down. Kyler is an MVP candidate. There’s no way they’re in this position without him. After the big win, they kick off week 11 tonight in Seattle.
Seahawks: After that 5-0 start, they’re 1-3 in their last four games. At one point, it appeared as if Russell Wilson was going to run away with the MVP early on. Since his hot start, he’s regressed, and it hasn’t been good on his part. If you notice how defenses are playing the Seahawks, they’ve contained Russ meaning they aren’t allowing him to run around or extend the play. Wherever he moves, you see the spy traveling with him. The mixed looks up front are affecting him so much that he’s been turning the ball over more. With the offense being the strongest part of the team for Seattle, the defense is still the Achilles’ heel. Still, the secondary is vulnerable. They can’t cover or stop anyone. Looking to regroup, they’ll be back home hoping to get back on track in week 11.
Cardinals X-Factor: Jordan Hicks– He’s been phenomenal this year. Whether he’s stopping the run or getting after your quarterback, he’s all in on the play. For instance, Jordan plays from sideline to sideline, drops back, and stops the run. He’ll be that spy in the middle.
Seahawks X-Factor: Jarran Reed– He’s a pocket pusher. What I mean is this is the guy that can burst through the lanes to affect the quarterbacks’ pocket. These are the type of guys you want to play with. The ones who can still impact the quarterback even without sacking him.
Final Thoughts: When they last met, it ended up being a classic. Arizona turned their defense around when it mattered, and they handed Seattle their first loss of the year. All these weeks later, here they are again with first place on the line. The Seahawks offensive line must be better upfront. Keep Russ on his feet. As for the Seattle defense, as one of my radio associates says, don’t let that one receiver (Hopkins) beat you. This is a big stage for Kyler to show what he’s made of.
Prediction: Seahawks 35 Cardinals 30
