NFL preview: The Arizona Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks in a divisional showdown
Midway through the 2010-11 campaign, the NFC West remains wide open. But, this weekend’s match-up between the Seattle Seahawks (4-4) and Arizona Cardinals (3-5) could go a long way in determining how the
rest of the season plays out, as both clubs have the opportunity to seize the division lead with a win.
The Seahawks look forward to the return of starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who sat out last week’s 41-7 loss to the New York Giants with a concussion, as they travel to Arizona’s University of Phoenix
Stadium on Sunday 14 November.
A win would give Seattle their second over the Cards this season, as the Seahawks came away with a 22-10 week seven victory over their divisional rivals. However, Seattle must pick up its play on both sides
of the ball if they hope to gain leverage over the rest of their NFC West counterparts. In its last two contests against the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants, the Seahawks have been outscored by a combined total of 64, amassing just one field goal and one
touchdown in each of the respective losses.
Meanwhile, their defence, which has been particularly vulnerable against the run recently, has given up an average of 183.0 rushing yards during the past three games after allowing just 70.4 yards per game
on the ground over their first five. Part of that drop-off can be attributed to the injuries of key defensive linemen Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, and Colin Cole. However, Pete Carroll needs production from his players, regardless of who’s in the line-up.
“We’ve been trying too hard and stuff,” the Seahawks’ first-year coach told the media this week. “That’s one of the big issues that I’m always trying to keep these guys from getting to that point because
once you start pressing to try to make things happen, then you get outside of the discipline of the defence and you can try too hard.”
However, Carroll is aware of where his team stands, optimistic that Seattle can embrace its opportunity. “We’re fortunate, with the hits that we took in the last couple weeks, we’re fortunate to be where
we are right now,” Carroll said of his squad. “We have a chance to keep going here with our division, which is the goal of our program, to own this division.”
The Cardinals, meanwhile, actually have their destiny in their own hands, as they take on three NFC West opponents in their next four games, all at home. Arizona is 2-1 on their own turf this season, their
only blemish a 38-35 loss courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 31 October. Still, the Cards have had opportunities to win close games this season, but just haven’t taken advantage, particularly over the last couple of weeks.
“Two weeks in a row now at the end of the game we’ve had chances to win the game and it’s hard,” Cards coach Ken Whisenhunt said of his team’s most recent losses to Minnesota (27-24 in overtime) and aforementioned
Tampa Bay. “Emotionally it takes a toll on you from that standpoint, so sitting here on Monday it’s hard to look ahead, but I think that’s where our focus has to be.”
Look for the Seahawks to break their two-game losing streak, and secure the season sweep.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Cardinals 17
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