Arizona Cardinals: Last-Minute Prediction vs. Seahawks – Week 6

The Arizona Cardinals could put up 30-plus points for the first time all season against a weak Seahawks defense. But their own defense can also pitch in. 

In my wild predictions piece, I stated the Arizona Cardinals will hold the Seahawks offense to under 20 points on Sunday. But in tonight’s last-minute prediction, I want to go one step further and say that the Cardinals will sack Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith four times.

Quite the wild prediction, and it will almost double the Cardinals current sack total, which stands at six and last in the league. Further, Smith has only been sacked nine times in five games, leading to fewer than two per contest.

However, the Cardinals pass rush isn’t as bad as many think. Sure, they have only six sacks, but they also have a 23.0% pressure rate, good for 16th in the league. Their 10.3% quarterback knockdown percentage is currently 13th, and their 10.2% hurry percentage is 10th. They are also second in blitz percentage at 41.7%.

Arizona Cardinals defense is bound to attain numerous sacks

With the emergence of Zach Allen, J.J. Watt’s steady performance, and Dennis Gardeck looking sharp, the Cardinals defense can most definitely overcome its adversities and log a few sacks in a given contest. The Cardinals have the tools necessary to formulate a good pass rush, especially if Markus Golden can get going.

With the above numbers looking at least somewhat promising, I’m going out on a limb and saying the Cardinals, in this game, will get more than a few sacks en route to a big win over the Seattle Seahawks.

Earlier, I wrote about how bleak things could be for Seattle’s running game, and the kind of dire straits they are in on defense. This gives the Cardinals pass rush an opportunity to completely shut down their NFC West rival and stand at 3-3 as they get their best player back.

(Statistics provided by Pro-Football-Reference)