Seattle Seahawks (6-5) – Arizona Cardinals (6-5): 16-6
Bitter, tough, and perhaps difficult to watch for some, except for fans of Leonard Williams. This is in the collective imagination what the divisional duels between the Seahawks and the Cardinals look like. Aficionados still remember one evening in 2016, in primetime, the two teams parted with an anthological 6-6 (after extra time).
This evening the score rose a little higher. The meeting nonetheless remained locked down and defensive. And in this little game, the genius in the field, Mike Macdonald came out on top. The rookie coach asserted himself and this victory is the first capital letter in his blue and green CV.
Leonard Williams (3 tackles including 2.5 sacks) was his coach's strong arm. He was able to stop the Cardinals attack that was too dependent on Trey McBride (12 receptions, 133 yards). Arizona's offensive line is having its worst game of the season, both on the run and on the pass. The Williams monster is not innocent.
Leonard Williams wins trench warfare
In this NFC West duel, the crux of the matter often returns to the basics of football: the lines. The two teams make different but impactful arguments. The first half is a perfect allegory of this maxim.
Seattle can rely on dominant individuals. Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II interior defensive linemen are very valuable. They stop all opposing runs (3.5 yards per carry) and attack Kyler Murray very often. The offensive line is in dire straits and must make mistakes, which cost touchdowns.
Arizona is more responsive in its systemic approach. The Cardinals vary the patterns and disguise pressure to put Geno Smith on the ground. The coverage is also on level to give time to his pass rush. The score of 0-0 at the end of the first quarter reveals the defensive domination of both teams.
“game of inches”
It all comes down to details. And inches or centimeters more common among Europeans. Arizona's only decent drive in the first half ended with three points after a pass that didn't end in a touchdown for Marvin Harrison Jr. The rookie receiver couldn't place a tip of his toe to validate the reception.
The Seahawks struggle to convert an end of drive on the opposing 1 yard line. Push back twice, they still manage to force the lock thanks to the man of the day Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6 receptions, 77 yards, 1 touchdown). The important thing is not how far to go, but how to do it.
Arizona definitely can't do it. On a 4&1 in opposing territory, the Cardinals are once again countered by Devon Witherspoon pursuing Kyler Murray (24/37, 285 yards, 1 interception) who, full of desperation, throws towards Michael Wilson. The ball ends up in the hands of Coby Bryant who goes up the field 69 yards for the touchdown. Seattle takes off in the third quarter 13-3.
Mike Macdonald, signature victory
Even if his attack can stutter, like when Geno Smith (22/31,254 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception) is intercepted by Garrett Williams in the fourth quarter, Mike Macdonald remains absolute master of the field by the defense. The two teams only added 3 additional points each to confirm the final score 16-6.
This evening the rookie head coach is holding a reference meeting. His squad conceded fewer points than it scored (6 against 7). She gave up 49 yards on the run to a team that was well-versed in the game sector this season. And she didn't give in in 3e attempt (3/12). 5 sacks and the interception added the icing on Chef Macdonald's cake.
