Seattle Seahawks: 3 Bold predictions vs. Cardinals, Week 16
By Samuel Teets
The Seattle Seahawks sit atop the NFC West. Now, it’s time to take advantage of the weak Arizona Cardinals and post their 12th win.
A week after the San Francisco 49ers were upset by the lowly Atlanta Falcons, the Seattle Seahawks will place the first seed in the NFC on the line against the struggling Arizona Cardinals. While the game should be an easy win for Seattle, the Seahawks must learn from San Francisco’s mistakes and avoid a letdown game.
When the Seahawks and Cardinals clashed in Week 4, Seattle walked away with a 27-10 victory. At 4-9-1, Arizona’s season is over, but the team is still developing Kyler Murray and its young prospects. The Cardinals won’t roll over for Seattle. In fact, they will put up an even harder fight than last time.
How hard though? Let’s make three bold predictions for the Seahawks in Week 16.
3. Seahawks sack Murray four times
The Seahawks have a terrible pass rush. Even Jadeveon Clowney, who may not play against Arizona, is having a forgettable season. The edge rusher had 24.5 sacks and 59 quarterback hits during his three Pro Bowl years in Houston, but he has just three sacks and 13 quarterback hits this season. For reference, J.J. Watt, who hasn’t played since Week 8, has 20 quarterback hits this year.
On the other side of the line, Ezekiel Ansah is a total flop this year. He has 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits. Ansah missed the last two weeks, and it is unclear if he will play against Arizona. Rookie first-round pick L.J. Collier has no sacks and only two tackles this season.
Even Jarran Reed, who was a borderline Pro Bowler last season, has struggled since returning from a six-game suspension. He has just 1.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits in eight games.
However, even with injuries, Seattle’s fortunes may change against Arizona. Murray faces constant pressure, and defenders have sacked the rookie a league-leading 46 times. That translates to three sacks per game. Seattle could get to him four times if things are clicking up front.
Even if Ansah and Clowney don’t play, Quinton Jefferson and emerging second-year defensive end Rasheem Green will be enough to make an impact against Arizona’s struggling offensive line.