GLENDALE, ARIZONA // The Seattle Seahawks continued their hot start to the season when they overwhelmed divisional rivals Arizona Cardinals in a 34-22 road victory in their National Football League game on Thursday.
The Seahawks remain in control of the NFC West, moving to 6-1 atop the division, the first time the franchise has started a season so well, as both sides of the ball contributed in an impressive display.
Russell Wilson, the Seattle quarterback, lost two fumbles but completed 18 of 29 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns, while the Seahawks defence forced the Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer into two critical interceptions and sacked him seven times.
Both interceptions, one in the first quarter and one in the third, eventually led to Seattle touchdowns on the following drive. Palmer has been intercepted 13 times in seven games.
“We got off to a great start and scored some great touchdowns in the first 15 … it doesn’t get much better than that,” Wilson said.
“I thought the offensive line did a very good job tonight and the defence was great going up against a very good football team.”
Wilson resisted suggestions that their strong start, along with Denver’s in the American Conference, would lead directly to a Seahawks-Broncos Super Bowl.
“The biggest thing is just ignore the noise,” he said. “I think the biggest thing for us is staying in the moment.”
The Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
The visitors took an early 14-0, but the Cardinals clawed back to within four with a Palmer touchdown to Rashard Mendenhall and a 49-yard field goal from Jay Feely but the Seahawks went to the break leading 17-10 after a late 51-yard field goal of their own.
Feely once again had the Cardinals just four back with a 52-yard field goal to start the third quarter before back-to-back Seattle touchdowns.
Palmer completed 30 of 45 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown as the Cardinals dropped to 3-4.