As the Seattle Seahawks recalibrate from their debacle versus the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, the Arizona Cardinals are riding a spiritual high heading into Week 9. Furthermore, the Seahawks will now have to deal with a refreshed rival, as the Cardinals could be just one victory away from tying for the No. 2 seed in the NFC West. If they beat the Seahawks and the Rams lose in Week 8, the Cardinals would move up to second place in the division.
The Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 on Oct 18. and with a 3-5 season record, they can tie the Seahawks at 4-5 with a victory at Lumen Field Sunday. The Cardinals have been relatively physical on defense but a pompous zeal won't be enough to bend a masterful Seahawks defense. The Cardinals might
adopt some strategies used by the Bears, who used quick screens, a physical rushing attack, and tons of 12-personnel packaging to counter the blitz of the Seahawks. Also, the super human talent of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams also helped him escape the rampant Seahawks pass rush who tallied in just one sack on Monday Night.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur can't possibly believe that tallying 33 points versus a bendable Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 8 is a quality reference point to surmise the Seahawks. Yet, the physical nature of running back Tyler Allgeier should play as a main ingredient in the Cardinals offensive attack. Tight end Trey McBride should also expect to be targeted frequently, and wide receiver Michael Wilson will have a task ahead of him with the talents of Seahawks defensive back Devon Witherspoon and safety Nick Emmanwori on the opposing side of the football. With all of the preliminaries visited throughout this practice week, LaFleur must understand that he needs his team to be nothing less than perfect this upcoming weekend.
Ultimately, the Cardinals ability to avoid givaways and passion to match the intensity of their rival will be pivotal in how Sunday's game turns out. Certainly, the militant mindset of quarterback Gardner Minshew will greatly edify their offensive attack and mentality in Week 9.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals can jump into No. 2 seed in NFC West with win vs. Seahawks
