Just in :4 Things To Know About The Seahawks’ Week 12 Matchup Against The Cardinals.
### 4 Things To Know About The Seahawks’ Week 12 Matchup Against The Cardinals
As Week 12 of the NFL season approaches, the Seattle Seahawks are gearing up for an important divisional showdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Both teams have a lot on the line as they look to improve their position in the NFC standings. With playoff implications on the horizon, this matchup will be crucial for both teams. Here are four things to know as the Seahawks prepare to face the Cardinals in what promises to be an exciting contest.
#### 1. **Seahawks’ Strong Offensive Playmaking**
The Seahawks enter Week 12 with a potent offense led by quarterback Geno Smith, who has been playing at a high level this season. Smith has shown great poise, spreading the ball around to talented receivers like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Seattle has also been effective on the ground with running back Kenneth Gainwell contributing to the rushing attack. Against the Cardinals, who have struggled defensively at times, the Seahawks’ offense will look to exploit mismatches and put up points early.
However, the Cardinals’ defense has been unpredictable, so the Seahawks will need to stay balanced and patient. If Seattle can establish a strong running game early on, it will open up opportunities for Smith to target his playmakers downfield, creating explosive plays that could be crucial in securing a win.
#### 2. **Cardinals’ Defensive Struggles**
Arizona’s defense has been a weak point throughout the season, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. They’ve struggled to stop the run, allowing over 140 rushing yards per game, and have had issues with pass coverage as well. The Cardinals have been particularly vulnerable in the secondary, where they’ve allowed big plays to opposing quarterbacks.
The Seahawks will look to exploit these weaknesses, particularly in the passing game. With Metcalf and Lockett capable of winning matchups against Arizona’s cornerbacks, Geno Smith will likely target these players early and often. If Seattle can take advantage of Arizona’s defensive vulnerabilities, they could find themselves in control of the game.
#### 3. **Kyler Murray’s Return and Impact**
Kyler Murray’s return to the Arizona Cardinals lineup has been a major storyline this season. The dynamic quarterback, who has been recovering from a knee injury, is a game-changer for Arizona’s offense. His dual-threat ability makes him dangerous both as a passer and a runner, and his presence gives the Cardinals a much-needed boost.
The Seahawks’ defense will need to contain Murray’s mobility, especially on designed quarterback runs and scrambles, where he can extend plays and find open receivers downfield. Murray’s playmaking ability is one of the few things that can help the Cardinals compete in this matchup, so Seattle must keep him in check to prevent him from turning the game in Arizona’s favor. Linebacker Bobby Wagner and the defensive front will need to focus on limiting Murray’s escapability in the pocket.
#### 4. **The NFC West Battle and Playoff Implications**
The Seahawks and Cardinals are both in the NFC West, one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. With Seattle currently vying for a playoff spot, a win in this divisional clash could go a long way toward securing a wild-card berth and staying in the hunt for a division title.
For the Cardinals, it’s a similar situation—they need to string together some wins to stay relevant in the playoff picture. Despite their record, Arizona has shown signs of competitiveness under head coach Jonathan Gannon, and the team will be motivated to disrupt Seattle’s momentum. A victory here would give the Cardinals confidence moving forward in their rebuild.
#### Conclusion
In Week 12, the Seahawks’ matchup against the Cardinals will be an intriguing battle of offense versus defense, with both teams trying to assert their dominance in the NFC West. For the Seahawks, controlling the game with their offensive firepower and keeping Kyler Murray in check will be key to securing a much-needed win. For the Cardinals, getting Murray into a rhythm and capitalizing on Seattle’s defensive lapses will be their best chance at pulling off an upset. As divisional rivals, expect this to be a hard-fought, high-stakes game that will play a big role in shaping the playoff picture for both teams.
