Jason Myers had just missed a 53-yard field goal during the Seattle Seahawks’ prior possession.
The Seattle Seahawks pulled off a heart-stopping victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. A 14-point lead evaporated late, leaving the game tied with just 33 seconds on the clock. Many expected overtime. But the Seahawks had other plans.
Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba orchestrated a last-minute drive, setting up Jason Myers for a 52-yard field goal as time expired. The kick sealed Seattle’s 23-20 win, extending their winning streak against Arizona to eight games.
Seahawks Fight Back Against Late Rally
Arizona trailed 20-6 midway through the fourth quarter. Quarterback Kyler Murray sparked hope with a 16-yard touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr., cutting the deficit to 20-13 with under six minutes remaining.
Following a missed 53-yard field goal by Myers, Murray led another drive, connecting with Emari Demercado for a 7-yard touchdown with just 33 seconds left. The Cardinals appeared poised for an upset.
But a short kickoff by Chad Ryland gave Seattle prime field position at the 40-yard line. Darnold’s 22-yard completion to Smith-Njigba brought the Seahawks within field-goal range. Two plays later, Myers calmly delivered the game-winning kick.
“I’ve seen this guy play golf — he’s a stud,” said Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. “He’s got ice in his veins. We knew he’d make that kick.”
Myers added, “I stayed true to my routine. I trust my preparation and just let it rip.”
Darnold Leads Efficient Offense
Darnold completed 18 of 26 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown. Kenneth Walker III rushed for 81 yards, while Zach Charbonnet added his second rushing touchdown of the season. Seattle’s defense sacked Murray six times, controlling the game when it mattered most.
“Sam’s playing out of his mind right now,” Macdonald said. “He’s a cool customer under pressure.”
Charbonnet scored on a 1-yard run late in the second quarter, using a second effort to fall into the end zone. That gave Seattle a 14-3 lead at halftime. The Cardinals trudged to the locker room amid scattered boos from fans.
Cardinals Struggle Until Late Surge
Arizona’s offense struggled for most of the night. Their late rally showed resilience but came too late. Murray finished 27 of 41 for 200 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Harrison had a shaky start, fumbling a second-quarter slant that led to a Seattle interception.
It marked the Cardinals’ second consecutive walk-off loss. Five days earlier, they fell 16-15 to the 49ers on a last-second field goal. According to Sportradar, this is the first time since 1988 the team has lost two games in a row on the final play of regulation.
Coach Jonathan Gannon said, “I appreciate the resiliency. Everyone believes we can win, but all three phases aren’t doing enough. That’s very clear.”
Early Game Highlights
Seattle grabbed a 7-3 lead late in the first quarter on Darnold’s 16-yard pass to AJ Barner. Arizona briefly took the lead at 3-0 on Ryland’s 33-yard field goal. The early game featured a chaotic play with turnovers by both teams, highlighting the night’s unpredictability.
Injuries Impact Teams
Seahawks: Safety Nick Emmanwori was inactive with an ankle issue. Edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence left in the second quarter due to a thigh injury.
Cardinals: Cornerback Will Johnson (groin) missed his second game. WR Zay Jones (concussion) and OL Will Hernandez (knee) were inactive. WR Simi Fehoko (concussion) and DL Darius Robinson (chest) left in the second half.
Seattle improves to 3-1, while Arizona falls to 2-2.
