A Gritty Victory: Seattle Seahawks Edge Past Cardinals in Thrilling Thursday Night Finish

JASON MYERS GAME-WINNING FIELD GOAL.

Introduction: A Classic NFC West Battle

Welcome, football fans! If you missed the Thursday night showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Arizona Cardinals, you missed an instant classic. These NFC West rivalry games are known for their intensity and unpredictability, and this matchup was no exception. In a contest that went down to the final seconds, the Seattle Seahawks secured a hard-fought 23-20 victory with a walk-off 52-yard field goal from the reliable leg of Jason Myers. This win wasn’t just about the final score; it was a testament to the team’s resilience, character, and ability to perform under pressure. For supporters of the Seattle Seahawks, this game provided plenty of reasons for optimism as the team moves forward in the season. The Seahawks vs Cardinals rivalry added another memorable chapter, showcasing the passion and skill that defines the NFC West.

This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the key moments and performances that defined this exciting Seahawks game. We’ll celebrate the heroes of the night, analyze the strategic elements, and look at what this means for the team’s trajectory. Our focus will remain on the positive aspects of the performance, framing everything in a supportive and encouraging light for fans of this proud franchise.

Highlights:

Here are the latest Seattle Seahawks news updates as of September 26, 2025:

  • The Seattle Seahawks secured a 23-20 victory against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football with a walk-off 52-yard field goal by Jason Myers.

  • Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 18 of 26 passes for one touchdown and zero turnovers, achieving a 111.4 passer rating.

  • Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught four passes for 79 yards, all in the second half, including a crucial 22-yard reception that set up the game-winning field goal.

  • Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu recorded 2.0 sacks against Kyler Murray and had five total tackles in his first multi-sack game since the 2022 season. He opened the 2025 season on the physically unable to perform list after offseason knee surgery.

  • Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence left the game in the first half with a thigh injury and was ruled out. He was one of the Seahawks’ free agent signings in 2025.

  • Rookie fullback Robbie Ouzts was placed on injured reserve this week due to an ankle injury suffered in the Week 3 win. He will miss at least four games. Brady Russell is listed as the backup fullback.

  • Right tackle Abraham Lucas signed a three-year contract extension, making him the first player from the 2022 draft class to receive a second deal.

  • Safety D’Anthony Bell was signed off the practice squad to the active roster.

  • Tackle Josh Jones was ruled out of the Cardinals game due to an ankle injury. Rookie tackle Amari Kight was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster in his place. 

The Seahawks current injury report shows several players who were active for Thursday’s game despite being listed as questionable or doubtful earlier in the week. 

Player PositionInjuryGame Status (vs. ARI)
Boye MafeLBToeActive
Zach CharbonnetRBFootActive
Anthony BradfordGBackActive
Josh JonesOTAnkleOut
Nick EmmanworiSAnkleOut
Robbie OuztsFBAnkleInjured Reserve

The Seahawks’ current record is 3-1, and their next game is at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 6th. 

The Decisive Moment: Darnold and Smith-Njigba Deliver Under Pressure

With only 28 seconds left on the clock and the game tied 20-20, the situation looked daunting for the Seattle Seahawks. The momentum had swung firmly to the home team after the Arizona Cardinals mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback. However, true to their fighting spirit, the Seahawks did not panic. Quarterback Sam Darnold, displaying remarkable poise, connected with his star receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, on a crucial 22-yard pass down the left sideline. This single play, a masterpiece of timing and execution, immediately put the Seattle Seahawks into field goal range.

This clutch connection between Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the defining moment of the cardinals vs seahawks contest. It demonstrated the trust and chemistry that has developed between the quarterback and his receiver. Following a short run by Zach Charbonnet to center the ball, Jason Myers calmly stepped onto the field and drilled the 52-yard game-winner as time expired. This moment of triumph was a collective sigh of relief and a burst of joy for everyone supporting the Seahawks. It’s these kinds of victories—earned through grit and last-second heroics—that can truly galvanize a team.

Sam Darnold’s Composed Leadership

One of the most encouraging storylines for the Seattle Seahawks this season has been the steady and efficient play of quarterback Sam Darnold. In this cardinals vs seahawks matchup, Darnold was instrumental to the victory. He completed 18 of 26 passes for one touchdown and, most importantly, committed zero turnovers. This gave him an impressive passer rating of 111.4. His performance was a model of game management and smart decision-making.

Throughout the game, Sam Darnold looked comfortable and in command of the offense. He distributed the ball effectively, made throws under pressure, and avoided the costly mistakes that can derail a team in a close seahawks vs arizona cardinals battle. Under the guidance of new seahawks head coach Mike MacdonaldDarnold is playing with a level of confidence that is infectious for the entire team. His ability to lead the team on a game-winning drive in a hostile road environment speaks volumes about his growth and his fit with the Seattle Seahawks. The seahawks qb situation appears to be in very capable hands.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The Second-Half Spark

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, often referred to by his initials JSN, is a dynamic playmaker for the Seattle Seahawks. For the first half of the cardinals game, the Arizona Cardinals defense did a good job of limiting his involvement. However, great players find a way to impact the game when it matters most. In the second half, JSN erupted, catching all four of his passes for 79 yards.

His 36-yard reception in the fourth quarter was a thing of beauty, showcasing his route-running and ability to separate. But his most significant contribution was, without a doubt, the 22-yard catch that set up the winning field goal in the final moments of the seahawks vs arizona cardinals clash. The fact that Jaxon Smith-Njigba was able to stay focused and deliver after a quiet start is a mark of his professionalism and talent. For fans wondering, “Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba playing tonight?” he answered emphatically with his performance. His connection with Sam Darnold is becoming one of the most exciting aspects of the Seattle Seahawks‘ offense.

Defensive Dominance: The Return of Uchenna Nwosu

While the offense provided the late-game heroics, the Seattle Seahawks‘ defense was the backbone of the team for the majority of the seahawks game. They harassed Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray all night, recording a total of six sacks. The standout performer was linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who had been working his way back to full fitness after an offseason injury. Nwosu was a force, registering 2.0 sacks against the elusive Kyler Murray and recording five total tackles.

This was Nwosu’s first multi-sack game since 2022, and his return to form is a massive boost for the defense coordinated by Aden Durde. The defense effectively contained the Arizona Cardinals‘ offense for three quarters, building the foundation for the lead. Although the Cardinals mounted a late comeback, the defensive unit’s earlier dominance was crucial. Putting pressure on the opposing quarterback, especially a talented one like Kyler Murray, is a key ingredient for success in the NFC West, and the Seattle Seahawks demonstrated they can do that effectively.

Overcoming Adversity: Key Injuries and Next-Man-Up Mentality

A long NFL season is always a test of depth, and the Seattle Seahawks had to navigate some challenges during the cardinals football game. Key players like Boye Mafe, Zach Charbonnet, and Anthony Bradford were active despite being listed as questionable, which was a positive sign. However, the team saw defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence leave the game early with a thigh injury.

Furthermore, the team had to place fullback Robbie Ouzts on injured reserve earlier in the week, and tackle Josh Jones was ruled out for the game. This “next-man-up” mentality is essential. Rookie tackle Amari Kight was elevated from the practice squad and contributed. The ability to win a tough road game like this seahawks vs cardinals matchup, despite missing key contributors, is a sign of a well-constructed and resilient team. It speaks to the culture that seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and General Manager John Schneider are building.

A Look at the Standings: What This Win Means for the Seahawks

This victory in the seahawks vs arizona cardinals game improved the Seattle Seahawks‘ record to an impressive 3-1. In the highly competitive NFC West, every win is precious, and securing a divisional victory on the road is doubly important. The win not only builds confidence but also establishes a strong position in the early playoff picture.

The team showed they can win in different ways: with defensive pressure, efficient offense, and clutch special teams play. As they prepare for their next challenge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they do so with momentum and a belief in their ability to close out tight games. The performance in this cardinals vs seahawks contest provides a solid blueprint for success.

Conclusion: Building Momentum

The Seattle Seahawks‘ 23-20 victory over the Arizona Cardinals was more than just a check in the win column. It was a character-building win that highlighted the team’s strengths. From the calm leadership of Sam Darnold and the electric talent of Jaxon Smith-Njigba to the ferocious return of Uchenna Nwosu on defense, there were standout performances across the board. The team overcame adversity and executed under pressure, which are the hallmarks of a contender.

As the Seattle Seahawks continue their journey through the 2025 season, this gritty triumph over a divisional foe will serve as a key reference point. It proves that the team has the fortitude to win close games and the talent to compete with anyone. The future looks bright for the Seahawks, and this victory is a wonderful step in the right direction.

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