Seahawks at a crossroad

For all of the struggles and injuries, the Seahawks could find themselves right back in the division race with a win this afternoon.

Or, with a loss, they could be buried.

At 3-5, the Seahawks can close the gap over NFC West leading Arizona to just one game, which is pretty remarkable given the disappointments and injuries of this season. But a loss today would leave the Seahawks three games behind the Cardinals with Arizona holding the tiebreaker having won both games.

In other words, a Seahawks season that is teetering close to the edge could come crashing down if they can’t pull off an upset today in Arizona.

“I think there’s a tremendous sense of urgency to win this game,” Seahawks coach Jim Mora said. “Tremendous sense of urgency, just like there was a tremendous sense of urgency to win last week, and we’ve got to continue to prepare with that mindset. We’ve got to realize the significance of our situation, and I believe we do. I believe our players are very aware of it and I sense that they feel a sense of urgency, and we’re trying to make sure that they understand how important it is.”

The last time the Seahawks and Cardinals played this season, it was an early season showdown between the defending NFC champs and the team that had owned the division for the previous four years that was looking to reclaim its title. Today, Arizona can stake its claim to the division for a second straight year, and bury the Seahawks hopes as an added bonus.

A 4-5 record gives the Seahawks hope going forward, whereas 3-6 would pretty much be the death knell to their playoff hopes.

“I think it needs to be known that this game is way more important because of how we’ve shot ourselves in the foot earlier in the season, and because of the adversity that we faced early in the season,” quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. “We really have faced our fair share of adversity already, and because of that, we’ve got a 3-5 record, which is not something we anticipated, and we’ve got a game here that we basically got to win. You know, you try to win them all, but we know that this one’s very important.”

When reporters try to play up the significance of a particular game, the usual status quo line for athletes and coaches is to say that every game is big, and none are more important than others.

But like Hasselbeck, the rest of the Seahawks have dispensed with such cliches leading up to today’s game.

“This is a big game for us man, it really is,” said receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. “It can turn the course of our season by winning (today), just confidence, and we’ll be one game out of first place.”

“We know what’s at stake,” added tackle Sean Locklear, who will return to the starting lineup after missing six games with an ankle injury. “This is going to tell a lot about how the rest of our season is going to go, so we know it’s a big game.”

“It’s a must win,” echoed running back Julius Jones. “It’s a division game, it’s another game that we’ve got to have. Every single one is one we’ve got to have, but this one is bigger than any other one.”

And while the focus in Seattle is on the enormity of the game, folks here in Arizona are trying to figure out why their team can’t win at home. In an odd twist, the Cardinals are 4-0 this season away from home, but just 1-3 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

A win today for the Cardinals would not only keep them in the driver’s seat in the division race, it would also give them confidence that they can return to being a good team at home.

It’s nice to be unbeaten on the road, but that’s not the Cardinals focus this week.

“You can look at it like that, but we look at it as more so, why is it that we haven’t been more effective at home?” receiver Larry Fitzgerald said when asked about his team’s road success. “I think that’s the more discouraging thing. It appears as though we haven’t been dominant like we have been in past years at home. We need to find a way to get home wins, and we need to do it sooner than later.”

The Seahawks, meanwhile, would love to extend Arizona’s home struggles for one more week, and in doing so keep alive their postseason hopes.

Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.