Arizona Cardinals: 5 reasons why they beat the Seahawks

Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks center Lemuel Jeanpierre (61) against Arizona Cardinals defensive end Ed Stinson (91) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks center Lemuel Jeanpierre (61) against Arizona Cardinals defensive end Ed Stinson (91) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) carries the ball as New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) carries the ball as New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

The David Johnson factor

While Arians doesn’t want to admit that the offense is changing this year in terms of philosophy, the fact is, the focus is a bit different.  Running back David Johnson is a force to be reckoned with.

Johnson was already shining in the spotlight when the teams met last season but the Cardinals still weren’t committed to giving Johnson the ball 25-30 times a game.  Now Johnson is the focus and has the Cardinals finding a better balance between the passing and the running game.

The Cardinals will definitely still take their shots if they are there but Palmer has been looking to shorten the passing routes.  There is less risk.  In that sense the Cardinals have changed but Arians will still try to air it out from time to time.

The big factor here will be the offensive line.  If guards John Wetzel and Earl Watford can open some holes like last week, then it could be a long day for the Seahawks defense.