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Seahawks vs. Cardinals
It’s hard to call a Week Six contest the game of the year, but in many ways, today’s matchup between the Hawks and the Cardinals may make the difference between a competitive Hawks team (able to compete for the NFC West and make a playoff run), and a wasted season. After an arguably pivotal home blowout of Jacksonville last week, the Hawks welcome their NFC West rivals to Qwest, riding an emotional high after the return of star QB Matt Hasselbeck.
At stake is the stalking-horse role in the division, as 3-2 division leader San Francisco has the week off.** Whoever wins today—the Hawks or the Cardinals—will have the inside track, and Seattle’s remaining game against the 49ers is at home, whereas Arizona’s home loss in Week One to SF gives the Cards a decided disadvantage.
It’s difficult to predict which Hawks team will show up today. The Hawks (2-3) have two great blowout wins at home vs. mediocre-to-terrible opponents. In both games, QB Matt Hasselbeck played well and Seattle’s defense, despite injury, stepped up and shut down their opponents. In the other three games, the Hawks turned the ball over, shot themselves in the foot with key penalties, and generally failed to execute on both sides of the ball.
On paper, the matchup is pretty even, with a slight advantage to Seattle. When healthy, Hasselbeck has breathed life into the offense—averaging 7 yards per pass play—and will face an Arizona defense that's allowing a poor 5.7 yards per play.
Still, Arizona possesses formidable offensive weapons in QB Kurt Warner and a receiving corps that is arguably the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks have a decided advantage on special teams, with better-than-average unit vs. a Cardinals special team that is one of the worst in the NFL. Both teams will need to protect the ball, as turnovers could tip the balance in what is likely to be a close game.
Vegas likes the Hawks at home by three points, and I like the Hawks at home to continue riding the momentum from last week. As I’ve argued before, these are the games—at home vs. a key division rival—that this team simply has to have. I call the homers to pull out a win against the defending NFC champs and get solidly back into the playoff chase.
Prediction: Seattle 27, Arizona 20.
**Note: Last week’s column incorrectly reported that San Francisco would be playing undefeated Indianapolis this week. Both San Francisco and Indianapolis have byes this week. That matchup will actually take place in Week Eight. SeahawksNerd regrets the error.
At stake is the stalking-horse role in the division, as 3-2 division leader San Francisco has the week off.** Whoever wins today—the Hawks or the Cardinals—will have the inside track, and Seattle’s remaining game against the 49ers is at home, whereas Arizona’s home loss in Week One to SF gives the Cards a decided disadvantage.
It’s difficult to predict which Hawks team will show up today. The Hawks (2-3) have two great blowout wins at home vs. mediocre-to-terrible opponents. In both games, QB Matt Hasselbeck played well and Seattle’s defense, despite injury, stepped up and shut down their opponents. In the other three games, the Hawks turned the ball over, shot themselves in the foot with key penalties, and generally failed to execute on both sides of the ball.
On paper, the matchup is pretty even, with a slight advantage to Seattle. When healthy, Hasselbeck has breathed life into the offense—averaging 7 yards per pass play—and will face an Arizona defense that's allowing a poor 5.7 yards per play.
Still, Arizona possesses formidable offensive weapons in QB Kurt Warner and a receiving corps that is arguably the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks have a decided advantage on special teams, with better-than-average unit vs. a Cardinals special team that is one of the worst in the NFL. Both teams will need to protect the ball, as turnovers could tip the balance in what is likely to be a close game.
Vegas likes the Hawks at home by three points, and I like the Hawks at home to continue riding the momentum from last week. As I’ve argued before, these are the games—at home vs. a key division rival—that this team simply has to have. I call the homers to pull out a win against the defending NFC champs and get solidly back into the playoff chase.
Prediction: Seattle 27, Arizona 20.
**Note: Last week’s column incorrectly reported that San Francisco would be playing undefeated Indianapolis this week. Both San Francisco and Indianapolis have byes this week. That matchup will actually take place in Week Eight. SeahawksNerd regrets the error.
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