The NFC West rivalry between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals is always a closely watched affair, and their Week 14 matchup on December 8th, 2024, was no exception. The Seahawks emerged victorious with a final score of 30-18, showcasing strong performances on both sides of the ball. This article will delve into the key player statistics from this game, providing an informative and engaging analysis based on the latest available information. We will also address some of the popular queries surrounding this game.
Offensive Highlights for the Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks’ offense had a productive day, racking up a total of 409 yards. Their ground game was particularly effective, contributing 176 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Rushing Attack Led by a Standout Performance
Zach Charbonnet: The running back had a career-high performance, leading the Seahawks’ rushing attack with 134 yards on 22 carries and scoring two touchdowns. His 51-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was a pivotal moment in the game. Charbonnet also contributed in the passing game, catching all seven of his targets for 59 yards.
Kenny McIntosh: Stepping up in the absence of the injured Kenneth Walker III, McIntosh added 38 yards on seven carries.
Geno Smith: The quarterback also contributed with a single rushing attempt for no gain.
Efficient Passing Game
Geno Smith: The Seahawks’ quarterback had an efficient day, completing 24 of his 30 pass attempts for 233 yards and one touchdown, with a passer rating of 110.1. He was not sacked in the game, a testament to the offensive line’s strong performance.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The rookie wide receiver was Smith’s primary target, hauling in all five of his targets for 82 yards and a touchdown. His 19-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter helped the Seahawks respond after falling behind early.
DK Metcalf: Metcalf caught four of his six targets for 49 yards.
Noah Fant: The tight end had three receptions for 18 yards on four targets.
Dee Eskridge: Eskridge contributed with one reception for 13 yards on his only target.
Tyler Lockett: Lockett was targeted once but did not record a reception.
P.J. Walker: Walker had one reception for six yards on two targets.
Jake Bobo: Bobo caught one pass for -1 yard on his only target.
Defensive Standouts for the Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks’ defense played a crucial role in securing the victory, particularly with two early interceptions that shifted the momentum of the game.
Coby Bryant: Bryant had a significant impact, intercepting Kyler Murray and returning it for a 69-yard touchdown in the first quarter. This play not only gave the Seahawks the lead but also swung the emotional momentum of the game.
Ernest Jones IV: Jones also recorded an interception off Kyler Murray in the first quarter, capitalizing on an early mistake by the Cardinals’ quarterback.
Leonard Williams: The defensive lineman was a force, leading the team with 2.5 sacks and consistently pressuring Murray throughout the game.
The Seahawks’ defense as a whole sacked Kyler Murray five times and limited the Cardinals’ rushing attack to just 49 yards.
Offensive Statistics for the Arizona Cardinals
Despite the loss, the Cardinals’ offense put up a decent fight, accumulating 356 total yards, with 235 passing yards and 121 rushing yards.
Passing Game Efforts
Kyler Murray: The Cardinals’ quarterback completed 25 of his 38 pass attempts for 235 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also threw two interceptions in the first quarter, which proved costly for the team. His passer rating for the game was 75.9.
Michael Wilson: Wilson was Murray’s leading receiver, catching six passes for 95 yards and one touchdown, a 41-yard score on the opening drive.
Trey McBride: The tight end had a productive day, securing five receptions for 57 yards.
Marquise Brown: Brown caught three passes for 30 yards.
Greg Dortch: Dortch contributed with three receptions for 24 yards.
James Conner: Conner had three receptions for 14 yards.
Elijah Higgins: Higgins caught two passes for 10 yards and a touchdown.
Zach Pascal: Pascal had one reception for five yards.
Emari Demercado: Demercado caught two passes for no gain.
Rushing Yardage
James Conner: The Cardinals’ lead running back rushed for 34 yards on 11 carries.
Kyler Murray: Murray also contributed on the ground with 15 rushing yards on three attempts.
Emari Demercado: Demercado added two carries for no gain.
Defensive Statistics for the Arizona Cardinals
While the Cardinals’ defense allowed 30 points, some individual players had notable performances.
Budda Baker: The safety recorded one sack for the Cardinals’ defense.
The Cardinals’ defense did not record any interceptions in this game.
FAQs
When did the Seahawks and Cardinals play during the 2024 season?
The teams met twice:
November 24, 2024: Seattle Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals 16-6.
December 8, 2024: Seattle Seahawks won 30-18 against the Arizona Cardinals.
What were the standout statistics from the December 8 game?
In the December 8 game:
Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks): Rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns, leading the ground attack.
Geno Smith (Seahawks): Completed 24 of 30 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown, maintaining efficiency with no sacks.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks): Recorded five receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, continuing his consistent performance.
How did the Cardinals’ key players perform in these matchups?
In the December 8 game:
Kyler Murray (Cardinals): Completed 25 of 38 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns, striving to keep the offense competitive.
James Conner (Cardinals): Contributed 122 total yards and a touchdown, providing versatility in the backfield.
Were there any significant defensive plays in these games?
Yes, notably:
Coby Bryant’s 69-yard interception return: This play during the November 24 game was pivotal, extending the Seahawks’ lead and shifting momentum.
Leonard Williams’ multiple sacks: His 2.5 sacks in the same game disrupted the Cardinals’ offensive rhythm.
How did the Seahawks’ offense manage without key players?
Despite injuries, the Seahawks’ offense adapted effectively:
Zach Charbonnet: Stepped up in Kenneth Walker III’s absence, delivering a career-high rushing performance on December 8.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Filled in for DK Metcalf, achieving career highs in receptions and yards on October 22.
What were the overall team statistics in the December 8 game?
The Seahawks demonstrated balanced play:
Total Yards: Seahawks 409, Cardinals 356.
Time of Possession: Seahawks controlled the clock with 33:02 minutes.
How did special teams contribute in these games?
Special teams played a role, with Jason Myers (Seahawks) making key field goals, including a 50-yarder on November 24.
What impact did these games have on the NFC West standings?
The victories bolstered the Seahawks’ position in the NFC West, maintaining a one-game lead after the December 8 win.
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To conclude
In conclusion, the 2024 season matchups between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals were marked by standout performances and strategic plays. The Seahawks’ defense, highlighted by Coby Bryant’s interception return and Leonard Williams’ sacks, played a crucial role in their victories. Offensively, players like Zach Charbonnet and Jaxon Smith-Njigba stepped up amid injuries, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience. These games not only highlighted individual talents but also had significant implications for the NFC West standings, underscoring the competitive nature of the division.
The Week 14 matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals on December 8th, 2024, was a compelling divisional contest that saw the Seahawks emerge with a decisive 30-18 victory. Standout performances from Zach Charbonnet on offense and the defensive unit, highlighted by crucial interceptions and consistent pressure, were key for Seattle. While Kyler Murray had some bright spots for the Cardinals, the early turnovers proved too costly to overcome. This game provided fans with plenty of talking points and showcased the intensity of the NFC West rivalry. The player statistics offer a deeper understanding of how each team performed and the individual contributions that shaped the outcome of this exciting contest.
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