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The biggest NFC West rivalry going kicks off when the Arizona Cardinals meet the Seattle Seahawks at the University of Arizona, Glendale Arizona on Monday morning. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11:30am (AEDT).
The 3-3 Cardinals host the 4-1 Seahawks in a vital conference clash that will have a significant impact on finishing positions in the NFC West.
This match could be decided on the ground as the fourth-ranked rush offence of the Cardinals comes up against the third-ranked rush defence of the Seahawks.
The Cardinals are on a two-game winning streak largely because of the performances of Running Back David Johnson, who’s averaging five yards a carry and has scored eight touchdowns on the ground this season, and is ranked No.1 in the league.
However, this will be Johnson’s biggest test this season as the punishing Seattle defence is only allowing 3.3 yards per carry and has only allowed one run greater than 20 yards all season.
For the Cardinals this is a both a great chance to continue their winning streak and break the Seahawks’ stranglehold on first place in the NFC West and suffer a very deflating defeat to set them back in their quest for a playoff spot.
Their offensive philosophy has been simple and revolves around the run and Johnson has responded as he establishes himself as a star in the league.
However, unlike last season where the Cardinals ranked second for pass yards, this season they have dropped away rather dramatically and are currently ranked 18th. This could ring alarms bells if the Seahawks rush defence has a day out.
The Cardinals have minor injury concerns with guard Mike Iupati (ankle) a chance to return to practice this week. Wide receiver Jaron Brown who took a knock to his knee against the Jets the week before is a day-to-day proposition.
The Seahawks have had an interesting season and will look for a victory based on a forced change in offence strategy as they go to the air and their stock standard ruthless defence.
They’re leading the conference but injuries, coupled with a disturbing sideline disagreement between players last week means they aren’t the same imposing side of the last 4 seasons – they appear very beatable and questions can be asked on the quality of opposition they have confronted.
Injury to running back Thomas Rawls, he got crack in his fibula against the Rams in week 2 and hasn’t played since, and Quarterback Russell Wilson carrying a leg injury all season has meant the Seahawks have been unable to control defences and contests with a running game. This crucial conference game against more quality opposition will give a clearer picture of where Seattle are at this season.
Will the Cardinals be able to develop a passing game if their ground game is stopped in its track by the brutal Seahawks defence? Seattle will hold no fears travelling to Arizona for this crucial clash, having won all three of the previous meetings on the road against the Cardinals.
Prediction
Away from home, Seattle should justify their number one ranking in the NFC West and edge the Cardinals in a close one.
Join The Roar Monday morning at 11:30am (AEDT) for live scores, updates and debate in our blog.
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