Recap: Seattle Seahawks Drop Arizona Cardinals In Sloppy Game, 22-10

Seattle, WA (Sports Network) – Olindo Mare kicked five field goals and Mike Williams continued his career revitalization with a touchdown catch in Seattle’s 22-10 win over Arizona in a battle for the top spot in the NFC West at Quest Field.

Matt Hasselbeck completed 20-of-38 throws for 192 yards and one touchdown while Marshawn Lynch carried 24 times for 89 yards for the Seahawks (4-2), who took over sole possession of first place in the division.

Williams caught a career-high 11 passes for 87 yards and now has a career-best 32 grabs for 348 yards to this point in the season.

Max Hall connected on only 4-of-16 tosses for 36 yards and was intercepted once, and left the game after taking a blow to the head as the Cardinals (3-3) fell a game behind the victors.

Derek Anderson took over and went 8-for-17 for 96 yards and Beanie Wells gained 54 yards on 14 runs and scored a touchdown for the visitors, who had won six of the previous seven meetings.

Seattle moved 78 yards in 14 plays on the game’s first possession, but had to settle for Mare’s 20-yard field goal when the drive stalled at the two.

The hosts went three-and-out midway through the second quarter before Jon Ryan’s punt was muffed by rookie Andre Roberts inside the Cardinals 20 and recovered by Roy Lewis at the two.

Two plays later, Williams made a leaping grab of Hasselbeck’s throw and came down inbounds in the left corner of the end zone for his first TD of the year, making it a 10-0 game with 5:46 remaining in the half.

Less than a minute into the second half, Hall was sacked by Chris Clemons, who jarred the ball loose, and it was recovered by Raheem Brock at the Cardinals’ 11. The hosts could not pick up a first down and had to settle for a 31-yard boot from Mare that extended their lead to 13-0.

Again, Seattle was able to take advantage of a special teams miscue, as Jason Wright of the Cardinals booted the ensuing kickoff toward the left sideline, where it was recovered by Kennard Cox at the Arizona 16.

The Seahawks gained only three yards before Mare came on to kick a 31-yarder that was nullified by a holding penalty. The veteran then connected from 41 yards out, but that was wiped away by another holding call. The third try was the charm, as Mare nailed it from 51 with 10:57 left in the third period.

Hall was replaced by Anderson on the next Arizona possession and the former starter steered an eight-play, 70-yard drive that Wells capped with a two-yard scoring run to trim the margin to 16-7 with 5:43 to go in the quarter. Anderson completed all three of his passes on the march, including a 29-yarder down the middle to Early Doucet that put the visitors at the Seattle 16.

Mare kicked a 46-yard field goal that the Seahawks took off the board after a defensive offside call gave them a first down at the 23. Hasselbeck found Williams for 15 yards to set up 1st-and-goal, but again Seattle couldn’t punch it in and settled for a 24-yarder from Mare to make it a 19-7 contest with 49 seconds left in the third quarter.

LaRod Stephens-Howling brought the ensuing kickoff from four yards deep in his own end zone to the Seattle 33. The long return set up Jay Feely’s 24-yard field goal that sliced the deficit to 19-10 just 12 seconds into the final quarter.

Mare’s final successful kick of the day, from 26 yards out, extended the hosts’ lead to 22-10 with 7 1/2 minutes to play in the game.

Game Notes

Hasselbeck is 17-5 in his last 22 home starts against divisional foes…Justin Forsett ran nine times for 41 yards and caught two passes for 31 yards for Seattle…Tim Hightower carried six times for a team-high 59 yards for Arizona. Larry Fitzgerald was held to three catches for 30 yards while Doucet made two grabs for 33…Fellow wide receiver Steve Breaston was inactive for a third straight week…The Cardinals lead the all-time series 13-10…Arizona had won 12 of its previous 15 divisional games before Sunday.

Russell Okung Has Low Ankle Sprain, X-Rays Negative

Initial tests show Russell Okung's ankle sprain doesn't appear to be too severe. Okung went down after being rolled-up on during the Seahawks first possession, limping off the field and being taken to the locker room. NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora is reporting x-rays were negative and it was only a low ankle sprain, a much better diagnosis than the dread high ankle sprain he had on his right ankle earlier this year.

Okung won't return today, but the recovery timetable for a low ankle sprain is much better than the alternative.

Max Hall Leaves The Game, Derek Anderson In For Arizona

After two quarters and two possessions of futility, Arizona Cardinal’s head coach Ken Wisenhunt has had enough of the Max Hall experience, opting to bring in Derek Anderson with just over 10 minutes left in the third quarter. The official line on Hall is a blow to the head, though anyone watching can tell it’s a chronic case of terrible quarterbacking plaguing him.

Thus ends Max Hall’s introduction to Qwest Field. After talking a big game this week, Hall failed to back up his talk, completing four of 16 passes for 46 yards and an interception.

Good work, 12th man. Let that be a lesson to opposing quarterbacks. Don’t challenge our fans.

Cardinals Turn The Ball Over Twice, Seahawks Settle For Field Goals, Lead 16-0

Michael Robinson was making an impact on today’s game against the Arizona Cardinals, but injured his knee and will not return. Robinson forced a fumble on a muffed punt, setting the Seahawks up for their first touchdown in the first half. He also rushed for three yards on one carry and caught one pass for seven yards.

In the third quarter, Arizona has turned the ball over twice in the second half so far, one coming on a muffed kickoff. The Seahawks failed to turn each into touchdowns. Deep in Arizona territory, Seattle settled for a field goal. After two holding penalties backed the Seahawks up on the next possession, Olindo Mare finally nailed a 51 yarder.

The Seahawks are in the third quarter, leading the Arizona Cardinals 16-0 in a sloppy game.

Seattle Seahawks Lead Arizona Cardinals At Halftime, 10-0

The Seattle Seahawks made it out of the first half with a 10-0 lead, thanks in no small part to their defense and special team. Amid a pounding rain for much of the first half, the Cardinals and Seahawks looked sloppy on offense, combining for four turnovers and 213 total yards of offense.

Max Hall, who thought Qwest Field would be a fun place to play, isn’t having much fun so far. Hall is 4-15 for 36 yards and an interception through two quarters. Not too fun anymore is it? Earl Thomas set the tone, interception a wobbly Hall pass on the Cardinals’ first possession of the game.

The Cardinals mishandled a punt late in the first half, allowing Michael Robinson to fall on the ball at the two yard line. The Seahawks capitalized two plays later when Matt Hasselbeck hit Mike Williams on a fade route for the score. Hasselbeck had an awful half outside of the touchdown, completing eight of 16 passes for 56 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.

Marshawn Lynch is pacing the Seahawk running backs with 11 carries for 61 yards. Justin Forsett added four carries for 11 yards as the change of pace back.

The Cardinals get the ball to start the half down 10-0.

Russell Okung Injures Left Ankle; Out For The Game

Russell Okung injured his left ankle and will not return for the Seahawks today against the Arizona Cardinals. Okung was taken to the locker room during the Seahawks first possession after being rolled-up on by tight end Chris Baker.

950 KJR's Ian Furness passed along the word on Twitter.

It's another setback for the rookie left tackle, who's been hampered by injuries all season. After suffering a high ankle sprain during the preseason, Okung made his debut against St. Louis, leaving the game early when his ankle flared up again. He returned against the Chicago Bears, playing the whole game and handling himself well against the Bears pass rush.

More on Okung as we get it.

Russell Okung Limps Off, Taken To Locker Room With A Knee Injury

Rookie left tackle Russell Okung, already hampered by an ankle injury, lasted all of one series for the Seahawks today before limping off the field with an apparent knee or ankle injury. Okung was rolled up on by tight end Chris Baker on the play, experiencing a bit of friendly fire in the pile. Okung has left the field and is headed to the locker room for further tests.

Okung played well last week against the Chicago Bears, keeping defensive end Julius Peppers in check all game long. The Seahawks have high hopes for Okung, but his durability is leaving something to be desired so far.

Tyler Polumbus is in for Okung at left tackle. We’ll keep you updated on Okung’s status as the game progresses.

Isaiah Kacyvenski Raises 12th Man Flag

Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker, and Harvard graduate, Isaiah Kacyvenski did the honors and raised the 12th man flag today at Qwest Field. Kacyvenski was drafted by the Seahawks in 2000 and spent 7 years with the team, becoming a fan favorite and team captain in Seattle. Kacyvenski was also a member of the 2005 Super Bowl team.

The Seahawks just kicked off against the Arizona Cardinals at Qwest Field.

Brandon Mebane, Kelly Jennings Inactive For Seattle Seahawks

After sitting out this week nursing injuries, Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and cornerback Kelly Jennings are both inactive for today's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Mebane, a load inside at tackle, has been nursing a calf injury that's hampered him for the last few weeks. After spending the week watching practice from the sidelines, head coach Pete Carroll decided to hold Mebane out this week against the Cardinals in an effort to allow him to heal. Kenwan Balmer will replace Mebane in the starting lineup.

Jennings, the starting cornerback opposite Marcus Trufant, suffered a hamstring injury early in last week's win over the Bears. Former Oregon Duck Walter Thurmond III should replace Jennings in the starting lineup. The Seahawks coaching staff has been high on Thurmond since he arrived in Seattle after being picked in the 2010 draft.

The Everett Herald's John Boyle tweeted the news this morning.

Steve Breaston Inactive For Arizona

The inactive lists are beginning to trickle out and wide receiver/punt returner Steve Breaston is inactive for the Arizona Cardinals. Breaston underwent knee surgery and was on pace to return this week against the Seahawks. Instead, it will be at least another week for the wide receiver, giving the Seahawks one less weapon to worry about.

ESPN's Mike Sando tweeted the news earlier this morning.

More news on the inactives as we get it. Early Doucet, also recovering from surgery, is another Cardinal that may make his return today.

Weather At Qwest Field Frightful

Just another fall day in Seattle today, as Qwest Field has seen every spectrum of weather outside of snow. After a blustery night, the skies opened up and the sun peaked out early this morning. Now, the home of the Seattle Seahawks is experiencing torrential rainfall, forcing both teams to change their plans ahead of today’s game.

The 12th man better bring their rain gear for today’s game, with rain expected all day again. Passing in the blustery conditions could be tough for the Seahawks and ball security, as always, will be huge during today’s game. How the Seahawks and Cardinal ball-carriers handle the rain could be the biggest factor in today’s matchup for the early division lead in the NFC West.

Just another perfect day for football in the Northwest.

Seattle Seahawks Friday Injury Report

The Seahawks are still dealing with some injuries as they put the finishing touches on their preparation for this Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals at Qwest Field. Two key players on defense sat out again today and it doesn't look like they'll be able to go on Sunday -- even if they're listed as questionable right now.

Brandon Mebane, a cog on the Seahawk defensive line, is still hampered by a calf injury and cornerback Kelly Jennings has been slowed by a hamstring strain suffered against the Chicago Bears. The Everett Herald's John Boyle was doubtful either will play.

In Jennings' place, rookie Walter Thurmond III will likely start. The Seahawks staff is high on former Oregon Duck and are confident in his ability at cornerback.

Kentwan Balmer will see increased playing time in the defensive line rotation if Mebane is unable to suit up. Balmer would make the start and is ready for more playing time, noting he loves the Seahawks defensive scheme.

Hasselbeck Conquers South Park, Wants The Simpsons Next

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck made a surprise — even to him — appearance on South Park this week, but he has his sights aimed higher. Hasselbeck, who’s quick one-liner on South Park received quite a bit of attention, was honored by the appearance, but has bigger goals for his newfound cartoon career.

The Seattle Times’ Danny O’Neil caught up with the Seahawks quarterback to get his reaction to the South Park spot.

“I did not know,” he said. “It was quite an honor. Any time a Seahawk is on a national show, it’s an honor.”

His plan for cartoon domination doesn’t end there, though. Hasselbeck has bigger aspirations, hoping to make an appearance on long-running Fox hit The Simpsons.

“Maybe ‘The Simpsons’ will call next,” he said.

Who knows, maybe we’ll see Hasselbeck’s shiny dome in cartoon form on The Simpsons one day. It wouldn’t be the first time a Seattle star made an appearance. I think we all remember Ken Griffey Jr.’s guest spot on the show, big head and all.

Pete Carroll Fires Up 12th Man On Twitter

Arizona quarterback Max Hall isn't worried about Qwest Field and his head coach, Ken Wisenhunt, is confident in the rookie quarterback ahead of this Sunday's game. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, never one to shy away from firing up the fans, wants the 12th man to show up, be loud and get in the Cardinals' heads this Sunday at Qwest Field. Carroll took to Twitter this morning to implore the fans to get loud from the start and make Qwest as intimidating as ever this Sunday.

In a tweet that was deleted, Carrol asked "How loud and crazy is Qwest Field going to be on Sunday?" You heard the man; get the chant going early and often Sunday.

Ken Wisehunt Not Worried About Qwest Field Noise

After Max Hall said Qwest Field is a "fun place to play," Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Wisenhunt expressed confidence in how his rookie quarterback would handle the noise. Qwest, known as one of the loudest place to play, is one false start away from 100 since 2005. Opponents regularly get crossed up, jump early and are thrown into chaos because of the noise Seattle's outstanding 12th man generates.

The Seattle Seahawks Twitter account fueled the fire this morning, posting comments from Wisenhunt on the noise and how Hall will handle it.

Bring the noise this Sunday, 12th man.

Matt Hasselbeck On South Park; Watch The Clip Here

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck finally hit the big-time this week, making a guest appearance on South Park. Of course, it wasn't Hasselbeck's voice, nor did he do anything for the episode, but the Comedy Central show used him in an episode spoofing "Inception." A cartoon character modeled after Hasselbeck makes a random appearance in the middle of the episode, saying about one line.

For Hasselbeck, this must be a highlight in a career full of highlights. Forget Super Bowl XL, the Pro Bowls and the playoff appearances. Nothing could possibly top seeing a cartoon of yourself on South Park..

Below is the clip Hasselbeck is featured in (H/T The Tacoma News Tribune).

Arizona QB Max Hall: Qwest Field 'A Fun Place To Play'

Arizona rookie quarterback Max Hall fired a shot at the 12th man today, saying he’s heard Qwest Field is “a fun place to play.” Qwest, known as one of the loudest, most intimidating stadiums to play in, has caused plenty of headaches for opposing offenses over the years. From the 11 false start penalties levied to the New York Giants in 2005 to the 99 false starts since 2005, Qwest has been a nightmare for visiting teams.

Hall seems confident coming into Qwest and that may not be a good thing (quote via King 5)

Talking to reporters after the Cardinals worked out on Wednesday, Hall said that he’s heard the Seattle stadium is noisy and “a fun place to play.” He said quarterbacks coach Chris Miller told him that players live for these kinds of games.

Calling out Seahawk fans ahead of this weekend’s game for divisional supremacy might not be a great idea. Already amped at the thought of taking over sole possession of first place in the NFC West, you can be sure the 12th man will be loud and proud on Sunday, giving Hall the welcome he deserves.

So, let’s hear you 12th man. Push that false start count into triple digits and show Hall what Qwest Field is all about. Welcome him to the most intimidating environment in the NFL.

Brandon Mebane Misses Practice, Status For Sunday In Question

Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane has been a load for opposing offenses this year, but he's also been dealing with an injury the last few weeks. Mebane will miss practice today and the Seahawks are in "wait and see mode" according to head coach Pete Carroll (via the Seahawks Twitter account).

Mebane's calf has been nagging him, forcing him to miss Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Even with the bye week to recover, Mebane wasn't well enough to go and it appears he's still not there yet.

Seahawks Run Defense Coming Up Big

The Seattle Seahawks stuffed the Chicago Bears attempts to run all day last Sunday, forcing Jay Cutler to beat them, which he couldn’t. The girth up front for the Seahawks has been a huge positive this year, allowing them to both generate a pass rush and plug the gaps in the running game.

The Seattle Times’ Danny O’Neil featured the play of the Seahawks defensive line today in his article for the Times.

The Bears rushed the ball seven times in the first quarter. Four of those carries resulted in gains of 2 yards or less, prompting Chicago to abandon any intention of running. The Bears handed the ball off to a running back only once in the second quarter, just twice in the third.

He goes on to mention the Bears rushed for only 61 yards on Saturday and 24 of those came on one big run in the third quarter.

Why has Seattle’s second-best rush defense — allowing only 2.9 yards per carry — been so good this season? Much of their effectiveness can be attributed to the size up front.

Led by 311 pound Brandon Mebane, the Seahawk defensive line boasts an average weight of 304 pounds this year, with three players checking-in at over 300 pounds.

It’s safe to say the Seahawks won’t be getting pushed around much this season.

Seattle Seahawks Vs. Arizona Cardinals News And Notes

The Seattle Seahawks picked up a much needed -- and somewhat unexpected -- road win Sunday against the Chicago Bears. The win moved Seattle to 3-2 on the season and kept them in a tie for first in the NFC West with the Arizona Cardinals -- just like everyone predicted before the season.

This week, the Seahawks return to the friendly confines of Qwest Field for a divisional matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona (3-2) had the week off last week and come into Seattle well-rested in a game to determine NFC West supremacy.

The biggest revelation last week was the emergence of a capable run-game, thanks in no small part to Marshawn "Beastmode" Lynch. The former Buffalo Bills running back came over in a trade during the bye week and made an impact. Lynch powered his was to 44 yards on 17 carries against the Bears and opened the running game for Justin Forsett. The Seattle Times' Danny O'Neil looked at how the combination of Forsett and Lynch made a difference for the Seahawks.

He thrived to start the game, gaining 24 yards on his first five carries, and then toughed out the final three periods, making the most he could out of what little opportunities were there. His hard-driving physical style was like a boxer's jab, persistent and forceful, which Seattle used to set up a quick hook, and in this case that was Justin Forsett, who found room running out of three-receiver sets and gained a season-high 67 yards.

Lynch's stats may not have been eye-popping, but he clearly made believers out of many Seahawk fans. A quick look at Twitter on Sunday revealed a plethora of #beastmode hash-tags in use.

The Seattle PI's Greg Johns also loved the thunder and lightning combination in the Seahawks backfield, noting that the Seahawks did plenty of damage against the NFL's third-ranked rush defense.

Seahawks fans had to love the Cal combo of Lynch and Justin Forsett, who carried 10 times for 67 yards. Forsett (AKA Junior Beast Mode) was the lightning to Lynch's thunder, a promising development for the future given the Bears brought in the NFL's third-ranked rush defense.

Even though the box score didn't show it, Field Gulls John Morgan says Lynch had a great game, helping both the Seahawks run game and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Even accounting for the Bears run defense, there's no way Lynch doesn't look lousy to the box score skimmers and fantasy schmucks of the world. But Lynch was beastly, and his ability to moderate loss and pound forward and pound forward and pound forward, opened space over the middle for Matt Hasselbeck. It's crazy, Matt didn't look a whole lot better, but check his line and Hasselbeck completed 25 of 40 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown, in Soldier Field, against a legitimately good Bears pass defense.

The Seahawks offensive line also saw an immediate boost from the return of rookie left tackle Russell Okung. The fourth overall pick in the 2010 draft was able to play the whole game and dominated Julius Peppers in the process. Field Gulls' John Morgan is officially in love.

Julius Peppers neared the Okie Black Hole and was crushed to atoms. This wasn't a "hey anyone notice Tyler Polumbus hasn't sucked balls?" kind of left tackle performance. This was domination, contribution, a pull block that created a touchdown, a clean pocket and pristine blind side, this was Okung battling one of the best pass rushers in the NFL on the road, and winning snap after snap. I love this kid.

The biggest mistake against the Bears came in the fourth quarter, when Seahawks punter Jon Ryan kicked to ever-dangerous Devin Hester late in the game. Hester immediately made him pay, taking the punt and racing 89 yards for the score. Ryan was injured in the process after Chicago's Earl Bennett laid a huge hit on him during the return, leaving the punting duties in flux this week (via The Seattle Times).

As for Ryan, there were no fractures detected after he was the recipient of a huge hit from Earl Bennett on Devin Hester's 89-yard punt return for a touchdown.

"We think Jon's going to be all right," Carroll said. "The docs thought he was going to be able to make it for the week. He's pretty banged up."

And how bout that Seahawks defense? Sacks, pressure all day, stout against the run and even a safety. O'Neil also looked at how the defense got so much pressure on Jay Cutler and the Bears.

That was one of six sacks Seattle had Sunday, its most in any game since September 2008. The temptation is to say the Seahawks threw the kitchen sink at Cutler. But that's not quite accurate, since it would imply that Seattle tossed an array of heavy implements at him. Truly, it was a steady dose of blitzing defensive backs.

Can the Seahawks build off their win over the Bears? We'll find out this weekend as they take on the Arizona Cardinals at 1:15 p.m. on Fox.