The Seattle Seahawks clinched a dramatic win against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football, successfully kicking a field goal as time expired. With the score tied at 20-20 and only 28 seconds left on the clock at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold led a crucial late-game drive. This effort set up kicker Jason Myers for a 52-yard field goal, sealing the game in favor of Seattle.
Seattle initially dominated the game, leading 20-6 midway through the fourth quarter. However, the Cardinals staged a fierce comeback, scoring two late touchdowns that tied the game. Despite the pressure, Darnold showcased his poise and skill, guiding his team to victory, and improving the Seahawks' record to 3-1 for the season. This game was particularly significant for Darnold, who joined the Seahawks in the offseason following an impressive year with the Minnesota Vikings.
After the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald heaped praise on Darnold, stating, “He’s playing out of his mind right now.” Macdonald highlighted Darnold's demeanor on the field, describing him as “a cool customer” and “a guy on a mission.” The coach emphasized Darnold's determination to elevate the team’s performance, noting his leadership qualities that have contributed to their success.
For Darnold, Thursday’s win served as a form of redemption after last season’s playoff disappointment. In the 2024 NFC Wild Card round, he faced a tough loss against the Los Angeles Rams in Arizona, a game overshadowed by wildfires in California. This time, Darnold appeared more comfortable and confident, throwing for 242 yards and one touchdown, while also contributing to his seventh game-winning drive since 2024—a statistic that ties him with Patrick Mahomes for the most in the league, according to NFL.com.
Following the game, Darnold downplayed any thoughts of his past playoff experience, stating, “To be honest, not really. It’s just another game.” He acknowledged the need for improvement but expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. Darnold looked forward to enjoying a brief break before focusing on upcoming challenges, stating his intention to watch the Ryder Cup.
On the other hand, the Arizona Cardinals faced yet another frustrating game on offense. The night started poorly for second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who has been under scrutiny for his lack of production since being the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Quarterback Kyler Murray threw two interceptions in the first half while targeting Harrison Jr., with the first interception resulting from a miscommunication during a route. The second interception occurred when Harrison Jr. juggled the ball into the hands of Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones.
Despite these early setbacks, Harrison Jr. eventually found his rhythm with Murray, connecting for a 16-yard touchdown that sparked Arizona's late-game resurgence. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, it was not enough to secure a win, leaving them with a 2-2 record for the season.
