What to Expect in Seattle: 3 Cardinals-Seahawks Bold Predictions for Minshew’s Magic
A rematch with new quarterbacks
The Cardinals return to Lumen Field after losing 31-7 to the Seahawks in Week 2. That result weighed on Arizona during the week, and the visitors are hoping to answer it in this second meeting of the season.
Gardner Minshew is now leading Arizona’s offense, and the team has had a week to prepare with him at quarterback. Seattle, meanwhile, is turning to Drew Lock following Sam Darnold’s injury.
Minshew brings opportunity and risk
Minshew’s willingness to throw downfield can create exciting plays, but it also leaves room for turnovers. Arizona’s offense looked highly effective during one half of football, though the amount of available film on Minshew in the team’s offense is limited.
The outlook is not that Minshew will necessarily struggle. But if Arizona gives him full responsibility, his aggressive approach could lead to mistakes.
Seattle’s defense remains a challenge
The Seahawks are coming off a Monday Night Football loss to the Chicago Bears and will be looking to respond. Seattle’s defense has troubled Arizona in recent years, although it is missing some notable players.
The article identifies Quenton Nelson and Leonard Williams among the absences, and says both teams are far from healthy entering Week 9. Seattle play-caller Mike Macdonald remains a major factor in the matchup.
Expect a close scoring outlook
Over their last three games, Arizona has averaged 22.3 points and Seattle 17.0, both below 24. Those figures suggest the game may not become a shootout, though the prediction is not for a defensive-heavy contest either.
Arizona has often performed well in Seattle, and the Cardinals have played better this season than some observers give them credit for. The article leaves open the possibility that Minshew’s early success continues.
Key points
- Arizona lost 31-7 to Seattle in the teams’ Week 2 meeting.
- Gardner Minshew leads the Cardinals, while Drew Lock replaces the injured Sam Darnold for Seattle.
- Arizona and Seattle have averaged 22.3 and 17.0 points, respectively, across their last three games.
- Both teams enter Week 9 dealing with significant injuries.