Predicting the Battle of the Birds: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Nov 13, 2015, 2:04 PM | Updated: 2:56 pm
Yes, it’s only Week 10 in the National Football League, but this is a big one.
It’s so big, it’s been branded as the “Battle of the Birds”.
The two-time defending NFC champion Seattle Seahawks (4-4) host the division-leading Arizona Cardinals (6-2) in a game featured on NBC’s “Football Night in America” Sunday night.
There’s been plenty of build up to this contest, and we’ve asked our Arizona Sports 98.7 FM hosts to chime in on what they think will go down at CenturyLink Field.
Ron Wolfley
In protest, as I affront the athletic process, I predict the Seahawks win the game 23-19. Yeah, that’s what I GUESSED, 23-19.
The Seattle Seahawks have one of the most talented rosters in the league and they are going to be desperate to win this game. They cannot afford to go three games down within the division. Unlike most other sports, where desperation may be a negative, desperation in the game of football usually increases a player’s intensity level, significantly. Intensity breeds focus and concentration. Focus and concentration has been an issue for the Cards from time-to-time this season and until they prove they can consistently bring the requisite levels of intensity to the field on a consistent basis, it may be the difference in this game.
If they do play with great intensity for four-quarters, everything I just set is moot.
Doug Franz
The Cardinals’ biggest issue: focus, which shouldn’t be a problem in a matchup of this magnitude.
Seahawks’ biggest issue: pass protection, which is hard to solve but the bye week came at a perfect time for them.
I think it will be close but since the Cardinals’ issue is easier to solve in this game, I take Arizona.
Cardinals 17, Seahawks 14
Bertrand Berry
The Cardinals are deeper at every position and with a decided advantage in the Cards D-Line\Hawks O-Line matchup, the physical battle and ultimately the game will be won there. Also, with Carson Palmer in the lineup, this game will look much different than both matchups last year.
Cardinals 27, Seahawks 14
Dan Bickley
The Cardinals will contain Russell Wilson, control the line of scrimmage, and exorcise many demons in the rain.
Cardinals 27, Seahawks 20
Vince Marotta
I think the Cardinals have the better team, something that was proven (at least record-wise) over the first half of the season. There’s one thing I can’t dismiss, however. The Seahawks are 28-3 (including playoffs) at CenturyLink Field with Russell Wilson at quarterback. I’ll take the ‘Hawks on a late Steven Hauschka field goal.
Seahawks 20, Cardinals 19
John Gambadoro
I just think the Cardinals have way too much talent. I think they’ll be able to score on this Seattle defense and I don’t think the Seahawks’ offense will be able to put up the necessary amount of points on the Cardinals defense to win the game.
Cardinals 24, Seahawks 17
Dave Burns
I’m trying really really hard not to look at this game with homer-tinted glasses but I just don’t see how the Seahawks have enough talent to keep up with Arizona offensively. A healthy Carson Palmer and a running game that can keep a defense honest will be the difference for the Cards.
Cardinals 23, Seahawks 17
