Seahawks use defense to defeat Cardinals

Field Level Media|published: Sun 24th November, 19:47 2024

Nov 24, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) scores a touchdown while defended by Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Coby Bryant returned an interception 69 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter as the Seattle Seahawks defeated the visiting Arizona Cardinals 16-6 Sunday afternoon to move into a tie for first place in the NFC West.

Geno Smith completed 22 of 31 passes for 254 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Seahawks (6-5), who won their second consecutive divisional game.

Seattle's Jason Myers kicked a 50-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining to help clinch the victory.

Kyler Murray was 24-of-37 passing for 285 yards with one interception for the Cardinals (6-5). Tight end Trey McBride established career highs of 12 catches and 133 yards.

Trailing 7-3, the Cardinals reached Seattle's 40-yard line on their opening possession of the second half. They decided to go for it on fourth-and-1, with Murray rolling to his right in an attempt to run for the first down. But Murray's path was blocked and he lofted a pass for Michael Wilson that was picked off by Bryant and returned down the left sideline.

The Seahawks took the lead for good on a 3-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 1:14 remaining in the second quarter. The key to the seven-play, 61-yard drive was a screen pass to Smith-Njigba that he turned into a 46-yard gain to Arizona's 4. Smith-Njigba had six catches for 77 yards.

The Cardinals opened the scoring on a 35-yard field goal by Chad Ryland with 9:43 left in the second quarter. That came two plays after Murray found Wilson with a 7-yard pass in the front right corner of the end zone, a touchdown that was nullified by a holding penalty on Paris Johnson Jr.

Ryland also booted a 22-yarder early in the fourth quarter to pull the Cardinals within 13-6.

The Seahawks appeared to take the lead with 1:33 left in the first quarter when Leonard Williams hit Murray's arm and Tyrice Knight recovered the ball and rumbled 33 yards to the end zone. But a video review determined Murray's arm was coming forward and the call was changed to an incomplete pass.

--Field Level Media

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