NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Packers bounce back, Seahawks stumble

Following their win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 on Monday Night Football, the Arizona Cardinals were again on in primetime. This time, they were taking on a divisional rival as they hosted the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks. With a record of 4-2 coming into the game, they were out to gain some serious ground against the undefeated Seahawks. And that’s exactly what they did in this statement win game.

It didn’t necessarily look as if that would be the case for much of the Sunday Night Football matchup, though. Arizona trailed 27-14 late in the second quarter and 27-17 going into the locker room at halftime. Moreover, a third Tyler Lockett touchdown grab had them down 10 points with under seven minutes to play.

To the Cardinals’ credit, they never blinked. Kyler Murray orchestrated a 14-play try to cut the Seattle lead to three points, the defense stepped up and forced the Seahawks off the field and Murray then got them in position for Zane Gonzalez to force overtime. In the extra frame, Gonzalez missed one potential game-winner but, after a crucial Isaiah Simmons interception, Gonzalez didn’t miss his second try.

It wasn’t a perfect showing for the Cardinals but, with their backs against the wall, a young team on the rise showed a lot of fight in the dog. Now at 5-2, they are very much in the mix in the NFC.