A huge NFC West clash lies ahead this weekend.
This weekend sees the Arizona Cardinals travel to Seattle for a divisional showdown that could define both teams’ seasons.
The Cardinals have the chance to extend their record to 7-4 with a fifth consecutive win, meanwhile the Seahawks will be looking to avoid a fifth consecutive home defeat.
Kyler Murray has played himself into the MVP conversation with his performances, with his arm and his run game. However these performances will count for very little if they eventually fall short of the playoffs.
When Kyler returned from injury to face the Seahawks in January, he threw for 262 yards and completed 22 of 30 passes in the game. Arizona ultimately lost by a single point.
If Arizona are going to get the win this time, they need their quarterback to at least match or better these stats from last time.
Geno Smith led a game winning drive for the Seahawks against San Francisco last time out, scrambling for the winning touchdown himself.
He has multiple offensive weapons this season. Kenneth Walker leads a well-established run game and the likes of DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba pose threats in the air.
All of these options will no doubt keep Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis busy.
First round rookie ready to play
The imminent return of defensive end Darius Robinson will be a welcome addition to the defensive line.
Robinson was taken at number 27 in the first round of the 2024 draft by Arizona, out of Missouri, but he has yet to feature this season due to injury.
The rookie will add needed fire power to the team. Standing at six foot five and weighing nearly 300lbs, he is a perfect addition at this time of the season. He will be hoping to improve a defensive unit that has ranked 31st in pass rush defense so far this season.
Seattle have won the last five in a row against the Cardinals, stretching back to November 2021 when Colt McCoy led Arizona to a 23-13 win at Lumen Field.
The Cardinals were 9-2 going into that game, and they only won once more that season.
But this team is cooking right now and Jonathon Gannon will be hoping they can keep it rolling with win number seven on Sunday night.
