It's often said that the best defense is a good offense, but in yesterday's game between the Seahawks and the Cardinals, I would have to say the reverse is true. Just look at the game statistics and they tell a story...

Some of the stats look very comparable and might leave you wondering how the game ended up the way it did:

• Kurt Warner had 231 passing yards versus Matt Hasslebeck's 221 and they each threw one touchdown.
• Hasselbeck threw two interceptions compared to Warner's one.
• Warner was sacked 5 times while Hasselbeck was sacked 3 [still too many though].
• Arizona converted 6 of 14 3rd downs while Seattle converted 6 of 13.
• The Cardinals had 11 penalties totalling 66 yards, but the Seahawks were penalized 7 times for 73 yards.

Meanwhile, looking at some more of the stats we begin to see the differences:

• The Hawks' defense held the Cardinals' running game to only 65 yards, of which Edgerrin James had 64. The Hawks rushed for 146 which isn't a huge amount, but is 81 yards and two touchdowns more than Arizona.
• Warner had 4 fumbles while Hasselbeck only had 1.
• The Seahawks gained a total of 339 yards, but the Cardinals only gained 244 yards during almost equal time of possession (31:53 to 28:07).

I'm no football analyst, but the statistics tell me that the Hawks won through their running game. And by watching the game yesterday, I also know that the Hawks won because of the defense's constant pressure...on Warner, on their wide receivers, on Edgerrin James and basically anyone that stood a chance of getting the ball. The Cardinals just couldn't get into a rythym, period. They would make one good play and then our defensive line would cause them to screw up the next two forcing a punt. Their lack of rythym also left them unable to take advantage of the opportunities thrown their way. Two interceptions, five dropped passes by Seattle, a blocked field goal, a 14 yard punt...all were little things that Arizona could have used to turn the tide of the game, but they didn't. Next week against the N.Y. Giants (1-1) should be interesting...

~tod

tags: seahawks, seattle+seahawks