Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray wasn’t at his best in Sunday’s NFC West showdown between the Cardinals and Seahawks.
Zach Charbonnet was. The second-year Seahawks tallied a career-best 193 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage. Murray, meanwhile, threw two interceptions that Seattle converted into touchdowns in a 30-18 Seahawks win.
Playing at home, the Cardinals dug into a 17-7 first quarter deficit from which they never recovered. Interceptions by Murray on Arizona’s second and third drives allowed the Seahawks to build their early advantage.
The Cardinals held a 7-3 lead until the first hurdle. A holding penalty on the second play of Arizona’s drive pushed the Cardinals to second-and-19. Murray threw a pass into a crowded Seahawks zone that was intercepted by cornerback Ernest Jones and returned to the Arizona 19-yard line.
One play later, Geno Smith hit Jackson Smith-Nzigba for a 19-yard touchdown to put Seattle up 10–7.
Murray’s second interception came on Arizona’s next play from scrimmage. Like his first, it set up the Seahawks in Cardinals territory. On this one, Murray threw a deep pass down the left sideline to Jay Jones. Instead, safety Kobe Bryant chose it.
The Seahawks cashed in five plays later with a one-yard Charbonnet touchdown run, his first of the day.
Charbonnet added his second score on a 51-yard, second-quarter run that extended Seattle’s lead to 24-10.
The Cardinals settled down to keep the Seahawks from running away with the game. But the 14-point deficit ultimately proved too much to overcome as Seattle completed a season sweep of Arizona.
The Cardinals had a chance to cut their deficit to one possession midway through the fourth quarter. But Chad Ryland’s 40-yard field-goal attempt hit the left upright, dashing Arizona’s best hope of a comeback.
Charbonnet finished with 134 rushing yards and 59 receiving yards with seven catches. The 100-yard rushing effort was the first of his career for the injured Kenneth Walker (calf).
Murray completed 25 of 38 passes for 259 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions that ultimately put the Cardinals in a hole. The Cardinals now need a strong finish and some breaks to get into the playoff picture.
The result extended Seattle’s lead in a tight NFC West race to an 8-5 record. The Cardinals fell to 6-7 and missed a chance to tie the Seahawks atop the division. With the Rams’ thrilling 44-42 win over the Bills in Inglewood on Sunday, Los Angeles is second in the division at 7-6. The 49ers dominated the Bears in Santa Clara on Sunday with a 38-13 win to pull them even with Arizona.
