NFC West Report Week 7: Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals did some Eddie Erdelatz-brand sister kissing on Sunday, tying 6-6. They still both widened their gap over the Rams and 49ers in the NFC West.

Week 7 outcome: 6-6 TIE @Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1)

This game promised defense, with the No. 1 and No. 5 overall units facing off, and it certainly delivered. The matchup literally produced more punts (16) than points (12). The teams combined for six points over four quarters, and went into overtime tied 3-3. Overtime featured an “offensive explosion” in relative terms, as the teams combined for nearly forty-percent of the game’s total offensive production in the extra quarter. Both teams exchanged field goals to start overtime, and then both teams exchanged missed field goals within the final minutes to seal the tie.

Seattle’s offense was simply overmatched by the Cardinals defense most of the day. Through four quarters, they mustered only 130 yards of offense. The Cardinals fared a little better moving the ball, but in the second quarter had a failed 4th down attempt in the red zone, and a blocked field goal. The Seahawks blew opportunities of their own with the missed OT field goal, and a potential pick-six dropped by Earl Thomas in the fourth quarter. Neither team turned the football over all day, but both squandered multiple opportunities to gain ground in the NFC West.

Next up: @ New Orleans Saints (2-4)

At 37 years old, Drew Brees continues to play at Hall of Fame level for the Saints. Through six games, he’s thrown for 17 touchdowns and five interceptions, and is more or less the only bright spot on a very bad team. The Seahawks have allowed the lowest total of TD passes in the NFL, so Brees will face a tough task with little help. The Seahawks offense should feast on a Saints defensive unit allowing the most points per game in the NFL.

Biggest headlines:

This was the first tie in Seahawks history, and keeps intact a tied all time record between the Cardinals and Seahawks.

Rookie first round pick Germain Ifedi has struggled to start his NFL career, but took exception to Pro Football Focus naming he and two other Seahawks offensive linemen as three of the worst nine players in the NFL this week.

The Seahawks may have a reputation for riding their home field advantage, but the Seattle defense has actually played better on the road this year.