The NFC West showdown between Arizona Cardinals and the Seattle Seahawks could be the game of the week in Week 12 of the NFL. Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf and Cardinals tight end Trey McBride lead their teams in receptions, but which player will have the biggest game this weekend?
Metcalf’s size poses a serious mismatch for the available defensive backs on the Cardinals’ depth chart, so defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will have to find an answer. Metcalf enters Week 12 having recorded seven receptions for 70 yards in last week’s 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has 2,781 passing yards so far this season, ranking 4th in the NFL in that category and leading the league with 278.1 passing yards, and the Cardinals allow about 218 passing yards per game.
With Smith’s ability to move around, it would be unwise for Rallis to stay in zone coverage. Instead, Rallis may need to play more man packages and blitzes to rush Smith on throws. This can, however, lead to 1-on-1 opportunities for Metcalf in the intermediate and short passing game.
McBride’s success will depend more on the Cardinals’ ability to stay away from the field and distance. Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald knows exactly how to spark a pass rush, so the Cardinals need to compensate for that by establishing the run with running back James Conner. If and when the Cardinals can sequence a few quality running plays, then they will create opportunities for McBride to be a force in the play-action passing game.
Ultimately, both teams are likely to produce quality passing yards if they stick to their balanced attacks. Whichever team can avoid turnovers and maintain offensive attacks has the best chance of winning this game.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest news from the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube Or Apple Podcasts.
No more Cardinals against the Seahawks!
Best prop bets in Cardinals vs. Seahawks in Week 12
4 keys to Cardinals’ Week 12 victory over Seahawks
Will the Cardinals face the Seahawks’ good or bad defense in Week 12?
This article was originally published on Cards Wire: These 2 players will be X-factors in the Cardinals vs. Seahawks Week 12 battle
