Seahawks Triumph Over Cardinals in Desert Duel

In a thrilling Thursday night matchup, the Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious against the Arizona Cardinals with a nail-biting 23-20 score at State Farm Stadium. With this win, the Seahawks improved their season record to 3-1, showcasing a strong performance from quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold completed 18 of 26 pass attempts for 242 yards, including a touchdown throw to tight end AJ Barner, who recorded 32 receiving yards. Seattle’s offensive strategy was balanced, as running back Zach Charbonnet contributed a rushing touchdown and netted 39 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba made significant contributions, receiving four passes for 79 yards.

The Seahawks' defense played a crucial role in the game, consistently pressuring Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray, who completed 27 of 41 passes for 200 yards and threw two touchdowns alongside two costly interceptions. Murray connected with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emari Demercado for Arizona's touchdowns, keeping the game competitive.

The first quarter began with a bang when Seattle's Coby Bryant intercepted Murray's pass but subsequently fumbled, allowing Cardinals running back Trey Benson to recover and set up Arizona’s first points—a 33-yard field goal by Chad Ryland. Seattle responded swiftly, scoring a touchdown on the very next play to lead 7-3 at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Darnold and the Seahawks capitalized on another interception thrown by Murray, pushing their lead to 14-3 by halftime. Arizona bounced back after the break, controlling the third quarter with two field goals, including an impressive 57-yarder from Ryland, narrowing the score to 17-6 at the start of the fourth quarter.

As the final quarter unfolded, Seattle initiated a scoring drive, only for Murray to respond with a touchdown pass to Harrison Jr., tightening the score to 17-13. Following a missed Seahawks field goal, the Cardinals tied the game with a late touchdown to Demercado with just 28 seconds left on the clock.

With a miraculous kickoff that fell short, Seattle took the chance to capitalize on great field position. Darnold expertly connected with Smith-Njigba for a 22-yard gain, transitioning swiftly into field goal territory. Jason Myers then sealed the victory with a 44-yard kick as time expired.

Seattle now enjoys a break before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5, looking to build on their momentum in the NFC West race.