Seahawks Dominate Cardinals 44-22, Improve to 7-2
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The Seattle Seahawks delivered a commanding performance against the Arizona Cardinals, winning 44 to 22 at Lumen Field and improving their record to 7 and 2. This victory marks the Seahawks' ninth consecutive win over the Cardinals, underscoring their dominance in the NFC West.
The Seahawks jumped out to a remarkable start, scoring 35 unanswered points by the midway point of the second quarter. Sam Darnold opened the scoring with a 43-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who continues to lead the NFL in receiving yards after finishing the game with six catches for 93 yards.
DeMarcus Lawrence made history by returning two fumbles for touchdowns, becoming only the sixth player since 1991 to achieve this feat in the first half of a game. The Seahawks' defense was relentless, forcing three turnovers and recording five sacks, with Lawrence leading the charge.
Tyrice Knight's impressive hit on Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett resulted in the first fumble, allowing Lawrence to scoop the ball and run 34 yards for a touchdown, putting Seattle up 14 to nothing.
George Holani added a 9-yard rushing touchdown, bringing Seattle's first-quarter score to 21 points, matching the franchise record for the quarter. The Seahawks built a 38-7 lead at halftime, with additional touchdowns from Lawrence on a 22-yard fumble return and Zach Charbonnet on a 6-yard rush.
Despite a lackluster third quarter that saw Darnold throw an interception and fumble, the Seahawks' defense held strong, making three critical fourth-down stops, including a key stand at the 1-yard line against the Cardinals.
Arizona managed to score two touchdowns in the second half, but it was not enough to mount a serious comeback. The Seahawks' kicking game also contributed significantly, with Jason Myers hitting three field goals, including a 46-yard kick in the second quarter.
The win sets up a crucial matchup next week against the Los Angeles Rams, who are also 7 and 2. Both teams are vying for the top position in the NFC West, making this upcoming game a pivotal moment in the season.
Despite injuries to key players, the Seahawks showcased their depth and resilience, with Olu Oluwatimi stepping in for the injured center Jalen Sundell. The Seahawks aim to maintain their momentum as they head into a high-stakes divisional game that could determine playoff positioning later in the season.