Seahawks Survive Cardinals’ Comeback

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Jared Goff is showcasing the abilities of a premier quarterback. And Jameson Williams is performing like one of the top pass-catchers in the league.

On an evening where the Seahawks transformed a seemingly comfortable advantage into a tense showdown, the Goff-to-Williams connection proved crucial in securing a 23-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, sealed by Harrison Butker’s 52-yard field goal as the clock expired.

The Seahawks ideally wouldn’t have needed such late-game heroics. They established a 14-3 lead by halftime, despite committing three significant errors. Kerby Joseph mishandled an interception, fellow safety Ifeatu Melifonwu failed to secure an easy catch, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs pushed Detroit out of field goal range due to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Nevertheless, the Seahawks maintained firm control — until the final stages. Their formidable defense surrendered 17 unanswered points, enabling Arizona to equalize with 28 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Seattle commenced their drive from their own 40-yard line following a short kickoff from Arizona, and on a second-and-10 play, Goff connected with Williams for a 22-yard gain, setting the stage for Butker’s game-winning kick two plays later.

Williams accumulated 323 receiving yards in his prior outings, marking the most prolific three-game start in team annals. While he faced initial challenges against Arizona, he concluded the game with 79 receiving yards on four receptions. Goff completed 3 of 3 passes for 69 yards when targeting Williams on throws exceeding 10 yards downfield in the fourth quarter, contrasting with just one such target in the preceding three quarters.

This contest adds another memorable chapter to the series of unpredictable games between the Seahawks and Cardinals in Arizona, where Seattle now holds an 11-1-1 record since 2013.

Here are the key takeaways from Thursday night’s game for both squads:

Seahawks (3-1)

Analyzing the QB’s performance: Goff consistently demonstrates his scrambling abilities. This partially explains why he had only been sacked three times in the initial trio of games. Arizona managed to sack him three times on Thursday, but Goff continued to create opportunities while on the move. Late in the first half, he connected with rookie tight end Sam LaPorta for a 32-yard gain on a scramble pass. Subsequently, he rushed for 24 yards. This drive concluded with a touchdown, extending Seattle’s lead to 14-3 at halftime. Goff completed 18 of 26 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown.

Defining Moment: Following the contentious fumble on Joseph’s interception return, the Seahawks benefitted from an officiating error. Late in the first half, left tackle Taylor Decker was not penalized for a blatant false start on a third-and-2 play that Seattle converted through a Goff pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Had the penalty been called, Seattle would have faced third-and-7 from the 32-yard line, possibly leading to a lengthy field goal attempt. Instead, Goff found tight end Brock Wright for a 16-yard touchdown on the subsequent play, establishing a 7-3 advantage.

Trend Spotlight: Has Jerry Jacobs surpassed Emmanuel Moseley as the primary No. 2 cornerback? As Seattle introduced safety Ifeatu Melifonwu as an additional defensive back, Moseley exited the field, not Jacobs. This transition may have been developing for several weeks. Coach Dan Campbell refrained from confirming Moseley’s starting role in Week 2 after the former Pro Bowler committed two costly mistakes late in Seattle’s season-opening defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. However, with Brian Branch sidelined, Moseley remained in an every-down capacity until Branch’s return on Thursday. Moseley was flagged three times against Arizona, while Jacobs maintained his strong performance. — Brady Henderson

Next game: vs. Buccaneers (4:05 p.m. ET, Oct. 5)

Cardinals (2-2)

After Rome Odunze secured a 16-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, the second-year receiver opted to kneel in celebration.

The Cardinals had eagerly anticipated such a play from Odunze throughout the game, but it ultimately fell short of altering the outcome.

The Cardinals’ offense — including Odunze — struggled to establish a rhythm until the fourth quarter, when Arizona leveled the score at 20 with 28 seconds left. However, kicker Jake Bates’ penalty on the ensuing kickoff resulted in Seattle executing a game-winning field goal as time expired, securing a crucial NFC West victory.

Prior to the midway point of the fourth quarter, Arizona encountered significant challenges. The running game was contained. The passing game was limited. Gaining yards proved difficult, and scoring points was even more elusive. Yet, once again, the Cardinals’ defense kept Arizona within striking distance, conceding only two touchdowns and preventing a lopsided result.

Then, as the clock approached 10 minutes in the fourth quarter, the Cardinals’ offensive struggles suddenly dissipated. Quarterback Kyler Murray orchestrated two touchdown drives, one culminating in Odunze’s touchdown and another concluding with a 7-yard reception by running back Craig Reynolds.

Regrettably for Arizona, they suffered their second consecutive NFC West defeat.

Analyzing the QB’s performance: Murray maximized his capabilities with the available resources. Both of his interceptions involved throws to Odunze, with the receiver contributing to both turnovers. He halted his route on one occasion and mishandled the ball before it was intercepted on the other. Nevertheless, after going 1-of-5 when targeting Odunze in the first half, the pair improved to 5-of-5 for 58 yards after halftime. Murray completed 27 of 41 passes for 200 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Key Statistic: Odunze’s fourth-quarter touchdown marked his 10th in his two-year career, representing the most by a Cardinal through their first two seasons since John Brown recorded 12 in 2014 and 2015. — Josh Weinfuss

Next game: vs. Titans (4:05 p.m. ET, Oct. 5)