Seahawks Lead Cardinals 24-10 at Halftime: Key Highlights and Analysis
The Seattle Seahawks took control of their Week [X] matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, heading into halftime with a commanding 24-10 lead. A combination of strong offensive play and opportunistic defense has given the Seahawks the edge at Lumen Field. Here's a closer look at the first-half action and what to expect in the second half.
Seahawks Capitalize on Kyler Murray’s Mistakes
Kyler Murray, quarterback for the Cardinals, struggled in the first half, throwing two critical interceptions that shifted the momentum in Seattle’s favor:
- Ernest Jones' Interception: Set up a one-play, 19-yard touchdown drive for the Seahawks.
- Coby Bryant's Interception: Resulted in a five-play, 46-yard touchdown drive.
This marked the first time in Murray’s career that he threw back-to-back interceptions, leaving the Cardinals scrambling to regain composure. Murray’s first-half stats:
- 10-of-16 passing for 117 yards
- 1 touchdown (a 41-yard strike to Michael Wilson)
- 2 interceptions
Offensive Struggles for Arizona
Running back James Conner has been relatively quiet, logging only 33 yards on eight carries. The Cardinals’ offense managed just 156 total yards in the first half, compared to Seattle’s dominant 272 yards.
Geno Smith and Seahawks Offense Shine
Seattle’s offense, led by quarterback Geno Smith, looked sharp and efficient throughout the first half:
- Geno Smith: 15-of-18 for 151 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
- Zach Charbonnet: Delivered two highlight-worthy touchdown runs—a 1-yard dive and a spectacular 51-yard sprint—totaling 87 rushing yards on 10 carries.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Four receptions for 70 yards, showcasing his playmaking abilities with a touchdown grab.
The Seahawks’ balance between the passing and rushing attack kept Arizona’s defense on its heels.
Special Teams Woes for the Cardinals
The Cardinals faced additional adversity when punter Blake Gillikin suffered an ankle injury, leaving his return questionable. This forced kicker Chad Ryland to step in, delivering a 36-yard punt that was fair caught. The absence of a true punter could further impact Arizona’s field position game in the second half.
Keys to the Third Quarter
For the Seahawks:
- Maintain Pressure on Murray: Seattle’s defense must continue to capitalize on Arizona’s offensive mistakes.
- Control the Clock: With a comfortable lead, leaning on Zach Charbonnet and the ground game will help keep Arizona’s offense off the field.
For the Cardinals:
- Limit Turnovers: Kyler Murray must make smarter decisions to avoid costly interceptions.
- Spark the Offense: Finding ways to involve James Conner and sustain drives is crucial for closing the gap.
Third Quarter Outlook
As the Seahawks and Cardinals return for the third quarter, the pressure is on Arizona to make adjustments and mount a comeback. Meanwhile, Seattle looks poised to build on their halftime lead and secure a pivotal win in the NFC West.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as this NFC showdown unfolds!
