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Seahawks continue emergence as NFC contenders, rout Cardinals 44-22
The Seahawks and the Cardinals faced off in Seattle on Sunday. The Seahawks’ first half was their most dominant two quarters of the 2025 NFL season, as they started the game with 35 unanswered points.
Quarterback Sam Darnold and OPOY candidate Jaxon Smith-Njigba were sharp on Seattle's opening drive, connecting for a 43-yard touchdown. This score and a 67-yard reception by Cooper Kupp were the most explosive plays through the air for Seattle in the game.
After another quick start for his team, Mike Macdonald said, “The guys are doing a great job. They’re mentally prepared. I think our coaches are doing a great job being very clear about how we’re going to start games so guys can play fast and decisive.”
The Cardinals did not score on their first five drives due to two fumbles, two punts, and a turnover on downs. Arizona got on the scoreboard late in the second quarter by converting a Darnold fumble into a rushing touchdown for receiver Greg Dortch.
The Cardinals forced two turnovers in the third quarter, giving them a glimmer of hope. But ultimately, Arizona could not capitalise with two of its drives early in the second half turning over on downs. The Cardinals were 6-for-16 on third down and 2-for-5 on fourth down in the game.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett said, “I think that's where it really started was on third down. I think we got to find ways to stay on the field. I think the last three weeks we've been top in the league on third downs, and today that was the difference, third down and turnovers.”
The Seahawks’ offense favored the run noticeably on Sunday. Seattle had 46 rushing attempts for a season-high 198 rushing yards. Zach Charbonnet was the team leader on the ground with 14 carries, 83 yards and a touchdown. Kenneth Walker had 14 carries of his own for 67 yards.
The Seahawks ran the ball to seal their victory, running time off the clock in the second half. Darnold attempted a season-low 12 passes, but was excited about his team’s effort on the ground.
“It's huge any time you can get the run game going. It's obviously huge for our offense the way that we want to play. So credit (like I said) to the offensive line, but not only those guys. The tight ends, the running backs, the receivers for doing their job in the run game."
This was a well-rounded performance for the Seahawks. They scored twice defensively with five sacks. Linebacker Tyrice Knight forced two Jacoby Brissett fumbles in the first half, with Demarcus Lawrence recovering the ball and returning it for touchdowns on both plays.
The veteran defensive end said it was the first two-touchdown game of his football career.
Smith-Njigba, so often the hero for Seattle this year, also passed a major milestone with yet another scintillating performance.
The Seahawks have won four straight and hold the NFL’s second-best point differential (+103). Smith-Njigba made it clear that they’re doing everything possible to keep that winning feeling alive.
“Preparation. Our culture in the building. The guys we have in this locker room, you know, doing whatever it takes to win," he told reporters.
"That’s from Monday to Sunday, and what we’re building here. We all feel like we have something special.”
Seattle improved to 7-2 with its 44-22 victory over Arizona. The Cardinals are now 3-6, trailing in the NFC West by four games. The Seahawks will put their division lead on the line in Week 11 against the Rams, who are also 7-2.
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