Isaiah Simmons is Arizona Cardinals week 11 MVP
By Reese Furlow
Arizona Cardinals rookie linebacker Isaiah Simmons had the best game of his career so far, earning him the week 11 game ball.
Simmons seems to like playing against the Seahawks, as he had his first career interception against Russell Wilson in a 37-34 OT win on October 25. In Thursday’s 28-21 loss, Isaiah Simmons recorded his first career sack, and led the team in total tackles with 10.
Simmons got the sack on Seattle’s second drive of the game, and was consistent throughout. He added two tackles for loss, and a pass breakup. He played the most defensive snaps in his career Thursday night as well.
Simmons seemed to be the only consistent player on defense as others struggled. All-pro cornerback Patrick Peterson could not cover anyone on the field, and Dre Kirkpatrick was preoccupied fighting. Numerous penalties on both players led to Seattle extending its drive, and ultimately winning the game.
The offense struggled as well after Kyler Murray injured his shoulder in the first quarter. While Murray finished the game, he was seen wincing on the sideline while warming up.
That did not seem to affect his play, however, as he finished with 250 passing yards. He also had two passing touchdowns, and for the second time this season, he did not finish with a rushing touchdown. Murray was also held to just 15 rushing yards, his lowest of the season.
Seattle seemed to have the Cardinals rushing attack figured out throughout the game. The Cardinals came into Thursday night leading the league in rushing yards per game, while Seattle ranked fourth in run defense. Running backs Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds were more useful in the pass game, as the two combined for 67 receiving yards on eight receptions. Both backs only had 43 rushing yards and one touchdown.
Larry Fitzgerald was Murray’s go-to target all night, as he hauled in a season-high 10 receptions for 51 yards. However, it was Edmonds and tight end Dan Arnold who caught Murray’s two touchdown passes of the night.
Arizona looks to bounce back in 10 days when the team travels to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots.