In a week filled with unexpected challenges and adversity, the Seattle Seahawks proved their mettle, capping a wild stretch with a gritty 16-6 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field. The win, fueled by a dominant defensive effort, propelled Seattle into a tie for the NFC West lead at 6-5, snapping Arizona’s four-game winning streak in the process.
Seahawks Weather the Storm, Literally and Figuratively
The Seahawks’ path to victory was anything but smooth. Earlier in the week, a severe storm knocked out power to the team’s headquarters, forcing players and staff to navigate darkened hallways and locker rooms with flashlights. Hot water was a precious commodity, and backup generators provided only limited relief. Yet, as head coach Mike Macdonald noted, his team refused to let the unusual circumstances become a distraction.
We didn’t blink. It feels like something happens every week, so it’s kind of par for the course at this point, which is good. Onward we go.
Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Head Coach
That unflappable focus was evident on the field Sunday, as Seattle’s surging defense put forth a dominant performance. They sacked Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray five times, held Arizona out of the end zone entirely, and even outscored the Cardinals’ offense thanks to a pivotal pick-six by safety Coby Bryant.
Bryant Channels Beast Mode on Game-Changing Pick-Six
Bryant’s 69-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter was a turning point, putting the Seahawks firmly in control. As he crossed the goal line, the second-year safety paid homage to Seahawks legend Marshawn Lynch, mimicking his famous crotch grab from a memorable touchdown run against the Cardinals back in 2014.
I know they’re going to fine me, so hopefully, Marshawn, you see this.
Coby Bryant, Seahawks Safety, on his Lynch-inspired touchdown celebration
Bryant’s pick was the exclamation point on a day where Seattle’s defense dominated. They pressured Murray on a staggering 42% of his dropbacks, the highest rate the quarterback has faced in a complete game since 2021. When under duress, Murray managed a meager 4-of-12 passing for 54 yards and the costly interception.
Smith-Njigba Shines as Offense Grinds Out Win
While the defense stole the show, receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his recent tear, leading the Seahawks’ offensive effort with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Geno Smith, despite tossing an ill-advised interception in the fourth quarter, rebounded to lead a clock-draining drive that salted away the win.
The whole week has been a little weird as you know with the power. I’m just proud of my guys coming in here prepared and ready for today. I thought we attacked today well. We got the win. It was a big win for us.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks Wide Receiver
Seahawks Embrace Playoff Mindset Down the Stretch
With a share of the division lead and a head of steam, the Seahawks now turn their attention to a cross-country trip to face the New York Jets. Coach Macdonald emphasized a “playoff mindset” entering this pivotal three-game stretch, a message that clearly resonated with his team as they overcame the odds to secure a critical division win over the Cardinals.
You can tell when you look each other in the eyes that it’s, ‘OK, we got this.’ There were times in the beginning of the season when I didn’t feel that same thing when I would look a teammate in his eyes. There were times when we were in a game and we’re kind of down and I would look someone in the eyes and they didn’t have that same fight in them, and I feel like now we’re on that track and it means more.
Leonard Williams, Seahawks Defensive Tackle
As the Seahawks continue their playoff push, they’ll aim to carry forward the resilience and resolve that propelled them to a signature win in Week 12. The lights may have flickered in Seattle this week, but the Seahawks’ championship aspirations still burn bright.
