Cardinals vs. Seahawks: 5 Keys to Seattle Getting First Win

Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks

Kickoff Time: 1:15 PST

Seattle, WA

After two pitiful performances, the Seahawks enter Week 3 still searching for their first win of the season.

Their opponent, the Arizona Cardinals who come into the game 1-1 with a victory at home over the Carolina Panthers and a 22-21 loss to the Washington Redskins last week.

Coming off a season that ended as NFC West champions, divisional play is the perfect time for the Seahawks to right the ship and turn this season.

These might not be two of the better teams in the NFL, but I’m sure this game will be much more competitive than the Seahawks' first two.

Take ADVANTAGE of the Home-Field Advantage

Seattle’s “12th” man is one of, if not the, best home-field advantages in all of the NFL. 

CenturyLink Field, formerly Qwest Field, is always at or near the top in the league in opponent false starts and delay of game penalties. 

With this game having so much importance, I’m sure the Seahawks crowd will be loud all game along. The Seahawks will need all they can get.

Solid Offensive Line Play

It’s well-known that the offensive line has been struggling.

The Seahawks are dead last in rushing yards (47.5 yards per game), and Tarvaris Jackson has not had any time in the pocket to find receivers downfield.

Add in the bad snaps, false start, holding penalties and the likes, the Seahawks have the worst start line in the NFL.

A major part of Seattle’s struggles on the line is because of injuries. Robert Gallery, Max Unger, Russell Okung and Jarriel King have all had injury issues this offseason or regular season, messing with the unit’s timing. Did I miss anyone else?

In order to start moving the ball on offense, the line has to play effectively.

Win the Turnover Battle

Anytime there is a close game, the turnover will more than likely play a huge role in the outcome of the game.

The Seahawks are 27th in the league in total turnovers with minus-three, and the Cardinals are in the middle of the league with same number of turnovers forced and given away.

The fault hasn’t been Jackson’s fault. So far on the season, Jackson has thrown a pick and fumbled a ball away.

In order to beat the Cardinals, the Seahawks will have to win the turnover battle.

Production from the Quarterback Position

At this point, I really don’t care who the quarterback for the Seahawks is.

I’ve said since early into the preseason that I think Charlie Whitehurst is the best option for the Seahawks, but now, I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t think it really matters.

Whether it is Whitehurst or Tarvaris Jackson, whoever is playing has to be an effective field general against the Cardinals and the season as a whole.

Forget Weeks 1 and 2

The season begins now for the Seattle Seahawks.

If the Seahawks let each loss hold them back, the season can turn ugly quickly.

Divisional games are critical as each loss is a win for your competition.

Each NFC West team believes they can win the division, and the Seahawks can’t afford another loss within the division. Forget about the past, win the game ahead of you.