GLENDALE, Ariz. — In a decisive victory, Zach Charbonnet showcased impressive skills, rushing for a personal best of 134 yards and scoring two touchdowns, while quarterback Geno Smith contributed with 233 passing yards and one touchdown, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a 30-18 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. This win enabled the Seahawks (8-5) to maintain their lead in the NFC West, marking their fourth consecutive win and a clean sweep of the season series against the Cardinals (6-7). Seattle has now dominated their division rival, winning seven straight matchups.
The Seahawks rebounded from an early setback to establish a commanding 24-10 lead by halftime. Charbonnet executed an impressive 51-yard touchdown run, breaking a tackle right at midfield and scoring with just 2:36 left in the second quarter. The 23-year-old running back made a significant impact filling in for the injured Kenneth Walker III, also making seven receptions for 59 yards during the game. Smith exhibited accuracy, completing 24 out of 30 passes.
This loss dealt a blow to the Cardinals’ playoff aspirations, dropping them to three consecutive defeats. Kyler Murray, despite throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns, struggled with back-to-back interceptions in the first quarter. This marks the first occasion in Murray’s six-year career that he has recorded two interceptions in consecutive games.
The Cardinals managed to reduce the deficit to 27-18 late in the third quarter when Murray executed a 2-yard shovel pass to James Conner, followed by a successful 2-point conversion run. Arizona had an opportunity to pull within one score in the fourth quarter, yet Chad Ryland’s 40-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright, marking his third missed field goal in as many games.
Seattle initially took a 10-7 lead in the first quarter, fueled by a combination of defensive and offensive big plays. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV intercepted Murray, providing Seattle with the ball at the Cardinals’ 19-yard line. On the next play, Smith connected with Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a quick 19-yard touchdown. Murray’s struggles continued as he was picked off again by Coby Bryant on the ensuing possession, enabling Charbonnet to score on a 1-yard touchdown run, extending Seattle’s lead to 17-7.
The game started favorably for the Cardinals, who marched down the field with ease on their first possession, culminating in a 41-yard touchdown pass from Murray to Michael Wilson, establishing a 7-0 lead.
Injury updates revealed that Seahawks’ running back Kenneth Walker (ankle, calf) was ruled out as of Saturday. Walker has accumulated 542 yards and seven touchdowns this season and was one of seven players not active for this game. For the Cardinals, starting safety Jalen Thompson (illness) played despite being listed on the injury report. Additionally, punter Blake Gillikin (knee) exited early in the game, forcing Ryland to step in as the punter.
Looking ahead, the Seattle Seahawks will host the Green Bay Packers next Sunday, while the Arizona Cardinals will also take on the New England Patriots at home.