Raising Zona
FanSided

Arizona Cardinals preparing to pass litmus test

By Jim Koch

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Wide receiver Doug BaldwinGLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Wide receiver Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the football after a reception ahead of free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals and Seahawks tied 6-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Wide receiver Doug BaldwinGLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Wide receiver Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the football after a reception ahead of free safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals and Seahawks tied 6-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The Arizona Cardinals have feasted on some weak competition this season, but the Seattle Seahawks will certainly be a step up

The Arizona Cardinals need to be realistic. Their .500 record (4-4) doesn’t qualify them for admittance into the upper echelon of the NFL. Especially when their four victories have come against opposition who boast a combined mark of 5-21.

This week’s opponent, the Seattle Seahawks, are on a different level. OK, they did manage to lose at home to a banged-up Washington Redskins’ squad this past Sunday. But to take them even a tiny bit lightly because of that slip-up could be a monumental mistake.

Familiar names remain on their roster. Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin and Paul Richardson on offense. Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner and Earl Thomas on the defensive side side of the ball.

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There have also been significant additions made to head coach Pete Carroll’s club in recent times. Tight end Jimmy Graham, after getting off to a slow start, is playing much better lately. Seattle’s front office pulled off an excellent trade last week, acquiring Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown from the Houston Texans.

A talented defensive tackle, Sheldon Richardson, arrived via the trade route from the New York Jets in September. Then, a couple of weeks ago, Seattle signed former Card sackmaster Dwight Freeney to provide a much-needed pass rush. The 37-year old still has gas left in the tank, as evidenced by the three quarterback sacks he has recorded for them in just two contests.

The Cardinals have done what they needed to do by defeating some less than stellar teams placed in front of them thus far. But if they seriously wish to take the division title, they’re going to have to start beating the good ones as well. A triumph on Thursday night over a proven bunch like Seattle would certainly qualify.

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