Seattle, Wash. – Seahawks’ Young Core Shines in Gritty Win Over Cardinals to Claim NFC West Lead
In a pivotal third-quarter moment, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald’s late timeout negated a key defensive stop on 4th-and-1, but the defense delivered again. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, pressured by standout rookie cornerback Devon Witherspoon, made an errant throw that safety Coby Bryant intercepted and returned 69 yards for a touchdown, sealing a 16-6 Seattle victory.
Bryant’s electrifying pick-six, capped by a Marshawn Lynch-inspired celebration, underscored the youthful energy fueling Seattle’s defensive resurgence. “Spoon made the play for me,” Bryant credited his teammate, whose relentless pressure hurried Murray into the costly mistake.
Seattle’s young talent shone throughout. Linebacker Tyrice Knight, replacing veteran Tyrel Dodson, tallied nine tackles and his first NFL sack, while defensive linemen Boye Mafe and Byron Murphy II disrupted Arizona’s offense early and often. Complementing the rookies, veterans Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed combined for 3.5 sacks and numerous key stops.
With contributions at every level, the Seahawks’ defense has allowed fewer than 20 points in four consecutive games. Now tied for first in the NFC West, Seattle’s mix of rising stars and seasoned leaders has them poised for a thrilling playoff push in the season’s final stretch.
