Seattle Seahawks: Studs and duds vs. Cardinals in Week 16

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field on December 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field on December 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Tight end Jacob Hollister #48 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass for a touchdown over strong safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at Levi’s Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 11: Tight end Jacob Hollister #48 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass for a touchdown over strong safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at Levi’s Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Stud: Jacob Hollister, TE

With Lockett and Metcalf missing in action, Hollister became Wilson’s top target. The third-year tight end from Wyoming crossed the 60-yard mark for the second time in his career, finishing with a team-leading 64 yards. Wilson and Hollister connected on five of the tight end’s six targets, but Hollister was unable to get in the end zone.

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With Will Dissly on IR and Nick Vannett in Pittsburgh, Hollister is an essential piece of Seattle’s offense. However, someone else should carry the load for Seattle. Hollister is a gifted third option for Wilson, but Lockett and Metcalf should lead the team in receiving yards almost every week. These kinds of off performances by the wide receivers cannot happen.

Dud: The run defense

A few weeks ago, Kenyan Drake was just an out of place fourth-year running back struggling to earn carries in Miami. Now, he’s stolen David Johnson‘s starting job in Arizona. Since leaving the east coast for the desert, Drake’s play is on another level. Just last week, Drake put up 137 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the Cleveland Browns. Surely Seattle prepared for the hot-handed running back, right?

Well, if they did, you couldn’t tell from watching the game. Drake surpassed his Week 15 rushing total by shredding Seattle for 166 yards, on 24 carries, and two touchdowns. Even with Jadeveon Clowney out, the Seahawks should have enough players to counter Arizona’s running game. However, Arizona turned the tables on Seattle in Week 16 and ran all over their divisional rival.