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Seahawks Avoid Week 18 Cardinals Upset

The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks were locked into a tight battle in Week 18 from start to finish.
Donnie Druin|
Seahawks Avoid Week 18 Cardinals Upset
Seahawks Avoid Week 18 Cardinals Upset

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Arizona Cardinals

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks were locked into a tight Week 18 battle that ultimately saw Seattle win 21-20.

Here's how the action's panned out:

First Quarter

After winning the toss and deferring, the Seahawks allowed Kyler Murray and co. first possession of the game. 

After putting themselves past the sticks and missing Trey McBride on a deep crossing route, Arizona eventually was forced into third-and-long territory, which saw another target to McBride fall incomplete. 

Arizona's punt was downed inside the SEA 10 before Geno Smith and friends took over. 

After methodically marching down the field and looking to score the game's first touchdown, Seattle was held to a Jason Myers 33-yard field goal to draw first blood.

SEA 3, AZ 0

After forcing a Cardinals three-and-out, Seattle took over with three minutes to play in the first but were unable to generate any momentum. 

Arizona will begin the second quarter with possession.

Second Quarter

The second quarter got off to a quick start for Arizona, who saw combined runs from Murray and James Conner push them inside the SEA 5. 

However, Seattle's defense held strong and forced a short Matt Prater field goal instead to knot things up at 3-3.

SEA 3, AZ 3

A big 37-yard reception from Tyler Lockett pushed the Seahawks near the red zone with under 10:00 remaining in the half.

One play later, a 19-yard touchdown pass to Will Dissly edged Seattle back into the lead.

SEA 10, AZ 3

Arizona found a number of big plays from rookie wideout Michael Wilson to push them closer to scoring position, though Seattle's defense held strong and again forced another Prater field goal.

SEA 10, AZ 6

Looking to squeeze anything out of the final two minutes, Smith and Seattle's offense managed to put themselves in position for another field goal from Myers, who converted from 29 yards out to extend the lead as time expired.

SEA 13, AZ 6

Seattle will start with possession in the third quarter. 

Third Quarter

After forcing a three-and-out, the Cardinals utilized James Conner heavily to even things up at 13-13, capping a 34-yard reception with a 29-yard rushing touchdown. 

SEA 13, AZ 13

After punts from both squads, Arizona will carry possession into the final quarter of play.

Fourth Quarter

Falling just short of the sticks and setting up a fourth down, the Cardinals appeared to trot out the field goal unit. 

That is, until Prater strolled out wide and Murray - who acted as the holder - took the snap and found McBride in the end zone to take the lead on a fake field goal.

AZ 20, SEA 13

After forcing a fourth straight punt, Arizona regained control of the ball hoping to put the game away. The Cardinals pieced together a strong drive but Prater's field goal attempt fell short, handing Seattle the ball.

It didn't take long for the Seahawks to get back in the lead, marching on a four-play 67-yard drive capped by a Tyler Lockett TD before he converted the two-point attempt to regain the lead.

SEA 21, AZ 20

With under two minutes remaining, Murray's offense took the field and drove down to the SEA 32 with ten seconds left.

One run play and one second remaining, Prater missed the 42-yard field goal to ensure Seattle won.

Pre-Game Info

The Cardinals approach this contest with not much to play for besides pride, draft position and the possibility to knock Seattle out of the playoff race. The Seahawks need a win and a Green Bay Packers loss to get in. 

Cardinals Inactives

  • CB Garrett Williams
  • CB Divaad Wilson
  • LB Trevor Nowaske
  • OL Carter O’Donnell
  • OL Dennis Daley
  • TE Blake Whiteheart
  • LB Cameron Thomas

Seahawks Inactives

  • RB Kenny McIntosh
  • LB Patrick O'Connell
  • T Jason Peters
  • T Abraham Lucas
  • T Raiqwon O'Neal
  • NT Jarran Reed
  • DE Mario Edwards Jr.
Published
Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns On SI. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with the company since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!

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