You're listening to the Seahawks Insiders. Gino, look, go way up over the top. Gott a man out there. Pitterfucker, he's got a touchdown.

You're listening to the Seahawks Insiders. Gino, look, go way up over the top. Gott a man out there. Pitterfucker, he's got a touchdown.

Seyhawks getting you ready for Seahawks football every Sunday.

Seyhawks getting you ready for Seahawks football every Sunday.

Ertz drops back, Hastime loads up, throws aj Brown the defense.

Ertz drops back, Hastime loads up, throws aj Brown the defense.

Don't you keep your feet? Him be does? Seyhawks Ball?

Don't you keep your feet? Him be does? Seyhawks Ball?

Presented by Delta, the official airline of the Seahawks.

Presented by Delta, the official airline of the Seahawks.

Now here's your host, Jen Mueller.

Now here's your host, Jen Mueller.

We are broadcasting from the Seahawks Podcast Studio presented by Sony, the official headphones partner of the Seattle Seahawks. Welcome to another winning week, which I think, presumably John Boyle means another winning Seahawks Insiders podcast.

We are broadcasting from the Seahawks Podcast Studio presented by Sony, the official headphones partner of the Seattle Seahawks. Welcome to another winning week, which I think, presumably John Boyle means another winning Seahawks Insiders podcast.

Aren't they all that? That is me?

Aren't they all that? That is me?

You got me there, you got me there.

You got me there, you got me there.

We bring our a game every week. That is, the.

We bring our a game every week. That is, the.

Seahawks had brought their a game.

Seahawks had brought their a game.

But before we get to football conversation, there's a much bigger piece of news inside the building this week.

But before we get to football conversation, there's a much bigger piece of news inside the building this week.

Steph had our boy last night and both are happy and healthy. Man, it's kind of a crazy Steven to say out loud, but yeah, we're just we're really excited, really blessed obviously, man, what uh, what women can do is just an unbelievable thing. So what a what a warrior she is and she's she's awesome. So just uh just now see you here later on at the hospital. But uh, just I think it's an incredible, credible night and just thankful for everybody at the hospital and the doctors and nurses. I mean, those people are a plus plus and what they do, it's pretty pretty awesome that that's what they do every day and the stuff they work through. So just really blessed, really excited. Uh, I can't wait to see him again tonight and uh here we go.

Steph had our boy last night and both are happy and healthy. Man, it's kind of a crazy Steven to say out loud, but yeah, we're just we're really excited, really blessed obviously, man, what uh, what women can do is just an unbelievable thing. So what a what a warrior she is and she's she's awesome. So just uh just now see you here later on at the hospital. But uh, just I think it's an incredible, credible night and just thankful for everybody at the hospital and the doctors and nurses. I mean, those people are a plus plus and what they do, it's pretty pretty awesome that that's what they do every day and the stuff they work through. So just really blessed, really excited. Uh, I can't wait to see him again tonight and uh here we go.

Yes, congrats to Mike and Stephanie on there the boy named Jack. Very exciting and it was nice of Jack to come early in the week. Is not while he was in New York right and then early in the week so he's back at Print.

Yes, congrats to Mike and Stephanie on there the boy named Jack. Very exciting and it was nice of Jack to come early in the week. Is not while he was in New York right and then early in the week so he's back at Print.

I mean I joked with Julian Love. Yes, I was like, man, why didn't you get it this easy?

I mean I joked with Julian Love. Yes, I was like, man, why didn't you get it this easy?

You were having to fly to Nashville on a Saturday after the team already left, and oh yeah, worked out worked out pretty well. But very exciting times. I mean, it's a crazy year that that family has had there.

You were having to fly to Nashville on a Saturday after the team already left, and oh yeah, worked out worked out pretty well. But very exciting times. I mean, it's a crazy year that that family has had there.

It really is about here.

It really is about here.

He becomes a head coach and now first child. It's very eventful.

He becomes a head coach and now first child. It's very eventful.

And what did he say, don't confuse hope for a plan where he was hoping that this right?

And what did he say, don't confuse hope for a plan where he was hoping that this right?

But you know, it's a critical stretch of games for the Seahawks.

But you know, it's a critical stretch of games for the Seahawks.

Hopefully Jack means that there's some good luck still in store. Oh yeah, okay, not that the Seahawks need luck. You know what they've actually needed the last few weeks just their defense. Yeah, holy cow, we can officially say that they have turned the corner.

Hopefully Jack means that there's some good luck still in store. Oh yeah, okay, not that the Seahawks need luck. You know what they've actually needed the last few weeks just their defense. Yeah, holy cow, we can officially say that they have turned the corner.

Right, Yeah, I think you know, won two games, like, okay, this is good, but can they sustain it? But they've done it for four games now. One was lost to the Rams, but four games of really good defense against some good offenses, some really good offensive minds, good quarterbacks, good running backs. This isn't a oh they beat so and so, but this is their quarterback. But they didn't have this star running back like. They've been beaten some pretty good teams.

Right, Yeah, I think you know, won two games, like, okay, this is good, but can they sustain it? But they've done it for four games now. One was lost to the Rams, but four games of really good defense against some good offenses, some really good offensive minds, good quarterbacks, good running backs. This isn't a oh they beat so and so, but this is their quarterback. But they didn't have this star running back like. They've been beaten some pretty good teams.

And they have held guys in check that had been getting some big yards, including James Connor. The last time these teams played. Kind of a weird matchup considering that Seattle just saw Arizona a couple of weeks ago, so it's hard to tell what's the same, what's going to be different about that, and just what kind of an impact Leonard Williams can have a get because I really feel like there is a chance for whether it's Leo or one of our other defenders to get Player of the Week for a third straight week.

And they have held guys in check that had been getting some big yards, including James Connor. The last time these teams played. Kind of a weird matchup considering that Seattle just saw Arizona a couple of weeks ago, so it's hard to tell what's the same, what's going to be different about that, and just what kind of an impact Leonard Williams can have a get because I really feel like there is a chance for whether it's Leo or one of our other defenders to get Player of the Week for a third straight week.

I mean, here's the thing. We saw what he did to the Cardinals in the last game. They obviously remember that. So one of two things is going to happen. If they do things the same, I think he's gonna have another great game, or if they try to adjust and say we got to stop this guy. That's going to be opportunity for other players, because, as Mike McDonald's point out, yes, Lennon Williams been getting numbers lately, but a lot of guys in that defensive front are playing really well to make that happen. So if you shift too much attention to how are we going to keep Leonard Williams from wrecking the game, There's going to be opportunity for Jaron Reed, There's going to be opportunity for Byron Murphy. There's going to be players who can take advantage of whatever they have to do to stop Leonard.

I mean, here's the thing. We saw what he did to the Cardinals in the last game. They obviously remember that. So one of two things is going to happen. If they do things the same, I think he's gonna have another great game, or if they try to adjust and say we got to stop this guy. That's going to be opportunity for other players, because, as Mike McDonald's point out, yes, Lennon Williams been getting numbers lately, but a lot of guys in that defensive front are playing really well to make that happen. So if you shift too much attention to how are we going to keep Leonard Williams from wrecking the game, There's going to be opportunity for Jaron Reed, There's going to be opportunity for Byron Murphy. There's going to be players who can take advantage of whatever they have to do to stop Leonard.

Williams well, and here's the thing, so he really feasted on the interior of that Cardinals offensive line, which includes Evan Brown, our former center last year. Right, they did change things against Minnesota last week because for as tough as it was to find yards on the ground against the Seahawks, they were over one thirty I think against the Viking. So something changed on that front to get Kyler Murray a little bit more in somewhere they were getting pushed. I'm not sure how they did it with the same personnel in the middle of that offensive line, but they did show that they can come out with a different game plan.

Williams well, and here's the thing, so he really feasted on the interior of that Cardinals offensive line, which includes Evan Brown, our former center last year. Right, they did change things against Minnesota last week because for as tough as it was to find yards on the ground against the Seahawks, they were over one thirty I think against the Viking. So something changed on that front to get Kyler Murray a little bit more in somewhere they were getting pushed. I'm not sure how they did it with the same personnel in the middle of that offensive line, but they did show that they can come out with a different game plan.

Yeah, for sure.

Yeah, for sure.

I mean, look what Arizona has done offensively really for going back to before Thereby and their four game winning streak, They've been a really good offense, really efficient. Kyler Murray's playing well, their run game has been good. So I mean that makes it more impressive what the Seahawks did a couple weeks ago. But you can't just look at we held this team to six points. We heard held James Connor at eight yards on seven carries and assume it's just going to be an easy, dominant performance.

I mean, look what Arizona has done offensively really for going back to before Thereby and their four game winning streak, They've been a really good offense, really efficient. Kyler Murray's playing well, their run game has been good. So I mean that makes it more impressive what the Seahawks did a couple weeks ago. But you can't just look at we held this team to six points. We heard held James Connor at eight yards on seven carries and assume it's just going to be an easy, dominant performance.

Again, agreed, especially when you look at what that defense for the Cardinals has done at home. I don't want to go past the Leonard Williams conversation without saying this. And I am like jumping up and down on the sidelines as I watched the big man run.

Again, agreed, especially when you look at what that defense for the Cardinals has done at home. I don't want to go past the Leonard Williams conversation without saying this. And I am like jumping up and down on the sidelines as I watched the big man run.

He was moving.

He was moving.

Do you know that he always wanted to be a running back.

Do you know that he always wanted to be a running back.

I saw that. He told you played some rugby when he played rugby.

I saw that. He told you played some rugby when he played rugby.

So here's the thing.

So here's the thing.

He has always been so big that he has been too big to play pop worn or football. So he did not start playing football until he was fourteen years old. And when he was fourteen, they just stuck him on the defensive side of the ball. And he said, come on, like you had to have played something on offense. Every high level player I've ever known has played both ways at some point in time. He was like, nope, I was too big. They put me on the defensive side. That's where I was. But I always wanted to be a running back. I mean he looked really natural.

He has always been so big that he has been too big to play pop worn or football. So he did not start playing football until he was fourteen years old. And when he was fourteen, they just stuck him on the defensive side of the ball. And he said, come on, like you had to have played something on offense. Every high level player I've ever known has played both ways at some point in time. He was like, nope, I was too big. They put me on the defensive side. That's where I was. But I always wanted to be a running back. I mean he looked really natural.

Him playing high school running BA would have been really off.

Him playing high school running BA would have been really off.

It would have been dangerous.

It would have been dangerous.

Yeah, it would have.

Yeah, it would have.

Been right because sure you know by NFL running back Ctentards. He might not look fast, but on a high school field that speed would be pretty pretty eligal.

Been right because sure you know by NFL running back Ctentards. He might not look fast, but on a high school field that speed would be pretty pretty eligal.

He hit seventeen miles an hour.

He hit seventeen miles an hour.

He was cruising.

He was cruising.

I just I can't even imagine running that fast. And then what was he He was looking to pitch the ball and he.

I just I can't even imagine running that fast. And then what was he He was looking to pitch the ball and he.

Realized I said that.

Realized I said that.

He said in midfield he didn't think he was gonna make it, and he was looking for someone to pitch it to. And then he looks around and all he sees his teammates. He's like, oh, all right, that's pretty cool.

He said in midfield he didn't think he was gonna make it, and he was looking for someone to pitch it to. And then he looks around and all he sees his teammates. He's like, oh, all right, that's pretty cool.

Keep going.

Keep going.

I'll take that.

I'll take that.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I'd like to point out, you know, the thing that Mike McDonald wanted to see more from his defense was takeaways, and they have an interception now in six straight games.

I'd like to point out, you know, the thing that Mike McDonald wanted to see more from his defense was takeaways, and they have an interception now in six straight games.

Yeah, six and two straight.

Yeah, six and two straight.

Six and two straight games.

Six and two straight games.

Okay, let's talk about this matchup and what it actually looks like this week. When you think about Arizona, that defense has been good at home. So the Cardinals have lost two eight games on the road, They've actually won three straight at home. They've held opponents in each of those games without a touchdown. Their defense has not allowed a touchdown at home since week four.

Okay, let's talk about this matchup and what it actually looks like this week. When you think about Arizona, that defense has been good at home. So the Cardinals have lost two eight games on the road, They've actually won three straight at home. They've held opponents in each of those games without a touchdown. Their defense has not allowed a touchdown at home since week four.

What does that mean.

What does that mean.

John, I mean Seahawks are gonna have to be better and more consistent on offense than they have been in recent games. I mean, as much as we love what we've seen on defense, the offense, as you know, they've come up with some really clutch drives when they need them. They've made some big plays, but they've not got the production that they really want in a few games now where it's you know, they're struggling either. Some games has been turnovers. They turned the ball over last week on offense, which was big for them. But you know, I think this a lot of this goes back to what's been a very inconsistent run game, and you're putting yourself in tough their downs, it's hard to stay on the fields, to stay and drives.

John, I mean Seahawks are gonna have to be better and more consistent on offense than they have been in recent games. I mean, as much as we love what we've seen on defense, the offense, as you know, they've come up with some really clutch drives when they need them. They've made some big plays, but they've not got the production that they really want in a few games now where it's you know, they're struggling either. Some games has been turnovers. They turned the ball over last week on offense, which was big for them. But you know, I think this a lot of this goes back to what's been a very inconsistent run game, and you're putting yourself in tough their downs, it's hard to stay on the fields, to stay and drives.

We saw a few glimpses in the second half. I feel like in the wrong game.

We saw a few glimpses in the second half. I feel like in the wrong game.

We can say the court, yardage, read zone stuff for another conversation, but overall, I think we saw progress in the wrong game last week, and to me, that'd be a really good way to jump start the offense this week.

We can say the court, yardage, read zone stuff for another conversation, but overall, I think we saw progress in the wrong game last week, and to me, that'd be a really good way to jump start the offense this week.

Yeah, I don't know what you're going to get against that defense in Arizona. I think what surprised me in New York was that was a Jets defense that for being top ten.

Yeah, I don't know what you're going to get against that defense in Arizona. I think what surprised me in New York was that was a Jets defense that for being top ten.

We talked about this last week.

We talked about this last week.

They were getting up one thirty on the ground a game and yet you end up playing to your average, not to their average. At the end of that game, we did see a change at right guard. We saw Satoa Lemea go the entire way, and it sounds like that's exactly what we're gonna get this week.

They were getting up one thirty on the ground a game and yet you end up playing to your average, not to their average. At the end of that game, we did see a change at right guard. We saw Satoa Lemea go the entire way, and it sounds like that's exactly what we're gonna get this week.

As a plan right now, there's a couple couple of mentals to start out the game made, but you know, talking about rookie playing his first meaningful NFL action, But you know, we felt him out there. I thought he did a great job getting used to the game. So excited about him. But that's the plan right now to stick with with.

As a plan right now, there's a couple couple of mentals to start out the game made, but you know, talking about rookie playing his first meaningful NFL action, But you know, we felt him out there. I thought he did a great job getting used to the game. So excited about him. But that's the plan right now to stick with with.

Tow Yeah, I mean, it's not going to be perfect. That was not just his first start. He had been inactive every game this season, so his first regular season action period. It's not going to be perfect. There's gonna be mistakes, but overall, he looked really good out there. I talked to Lake and Tomlinson, their their veteran left guard, and he was really impressed with just how well he handled that, everything that comes with first start on the road, and you know, really cool moment for him. He had one of the key blocks on what ended up being the game winning touchdown round to help open a hole for Zach Sharbernay. So yeah, really encouraging stuff. You know, he's got to build on it and get a little better. But you know, this line has had a hard time finding consistency, whether it's just been the competition at that right guard spot or injuries. But if they can find a mix and kind of finish the season strong and then maybe we see that run gave me a going.

Tow Yeah, I mean, it's not going to be perfect. That was not just his first start. He had been inactive every game this season, so his first regular season action period. It's not going to be perfect. There's gonna be mistakes, but overall, he looked really good out there. I talked to Lake and Tomlinson, their their veteran left guard, and he was really impressed with just how well he handled that, everything that comes with first start on the road, and you know, really cool moment for him. He had one of the key blocks on what ended up being the game winning touchdown round to help open a hole for Zach Sharbernay. So yeah, really encouraging stuff. You know, he's got to build on it and get a little better. But you know, this line has had a hard time finding consistency, whether it's just been the competition at that right guard spot or injuries. But if they can find a mix and kind of finish the season strong and then maybe we see that run gave me a going.

He was a postgame interview last week in the clubhouse. The first time I've really talked to him since the draft. I mean there's been some hellos, but yeah, the first time I've really had an extended conversation since the draft.

He was a postgame interview last week in the clubhouse. The first time I've really talked to him since the draft. I mean there's been some hellos, but yeah, the first time I've really had an extended conversation since the draft.

And he said, yeah, I was nervous. It took a little while.

And he said, yeah, I was nervous. It took a little while.

So you hear Mike McDonald say there was some mentals there on the first few, so mental mistakes. If you didn't hear that all the way, and he said, yeah, I was nervous. I did feel jitters. It took me at least a series before I like settled.

So you hear Mike McDonald say there was some mentals there on the first few, so mental mistakes. If you didn't hear that all the way, and he said, yeah, I was nervous. I did feel jitters. It took me at least a series before I like settled.

In and difficult to settle in.

In and difficult to settle in.

Think about how that first quarter of the game against the Jets played out, like there's no offen and snaps to get into a rhythm.

Think about how that first quarter of the game against the Jets played out, like there's no offen and snaps to get into a rhythm.

Yeah, you turn it over on two kickoffs in the first half. It's like there weren't a lot of opportunities for that offense. And oh, by the way, number ninety five on that shit's defense, pretty good player, Quinn Yahiam. So you're dealing with, you know, one of the league's best interior linemen and as you said, a really weird, disjointed half of football.

Yeah, you turn it over on two kickoffs in the first half. It's like there weren't a lot of opportunities for that offense. And oh, by the way, number ninety five on that shit's defense, pretty good player, Quinn Yahiam. So you're dealing with, you know, one of the league's best interior linemen and as you said, a really weird, disjointed half of football.

It was.

It was.

It was Leslie Fraser who was going up and down the bench, who was reminding guys, hey, look there's still a lot of football to play in this one, you know, just look at the next step. He's been an interesting one we got to hear from this week.

It was Leslie Fraser who was going up and down the bench, who was reminding guys, hey, look there's still a lot of football to play in this one, you know, just look at the next step. He's been an interesting one we got to hear from this week.

That's fun, which I loved.

That's fun, which I loved.

Yeah, I mean it was for good reason, right, he fills in because Mike McDonald is with his wife at the hospital having the baby, all of those things. It's fun to hear from Leslie. He is so measured all the time.

Yeah, I mean it was for good reason, right, he fills in because Mike McDonald is with his wife at the hospital having the baby, all of those things. It's fun to hear from Leslie. He is so measured all the time.

Yeah, he's so calm, Yeah, which is a great trait for that role of like you're there to support a first year head coach. And you know, I talked, We talked to Mike McDonald about this before the season, and I talked to Leslie Fraser this summer, and you know, I think sometimes people think like assistant head coach is sort of this like figurehead. Let's just like give a guy title because he's been around a long time. Like that's a really important role for mc McDonald, who he recognized as much as I know about defense, and I you know, obviously the Seahawks think highly of him to make him a head coach. He's never done the job before. And there's a lot to that job as a head coach that you just you can't know till you've done it. So to have a guy at Leslie Fraser who's been around the NFL for decades, who's been a head coach, he's been a lot of places, that's a huge resource for mc McDonald. And there, you know, you watch practice, you see them in the halls, like they're together a lot. He's this is not a guy that's just sort of there. It's like Mike McNall's bouncing a lot off Leslie Fraser every day well.

Yeah, he's so calm, Yeah, which is a great trait for that role of like you're there to support a first year head coach. And you know, I talked, We talked to Mike McDonald about this before the season, and I talked to Leslie Fraser this summer, and you know, I think sometimes people think like assistant head coach is sort of this like figurehead. Let's just like give a guy title because he's been around a long time. Like that's a really important role for mc McDonald, who he recognized as much as I know about defense, and I you know, obviously the Seahawks think highly of him to make him a head coach. He's never done the job before. And there's a lot to that job as a head coach that you just you can't know till you've done it. So to have a guy at Leslie Fraser who's been around the NFL for decades, who's been a head coach, he's been a lot of places, that's a huge resource for mc McDonald. And there, you know, you watch practice, you see them in the halls, like they're together a lot. He's this is not a guy that's just sort of there. It's like Mike McNall's bouncing a lot off Leslie Fraser every day well.

And for the background that Leslie Fraser has on defense, he's equally involved in the offense and he has been able to watch Mike grow so he can kind of be the go between. And he was really open. He said it a little bit on Monday. He said it in the preseason. You know, seven years ago, I would have never been able to picture Mike McDonald's standing up in front of a team and leading them, and now he is doing phenomenally well in that position.

And for the background that Leslie Fraser has on defense, he's equally involved in the offense and he has been able to watch Mike grow so he can kind of be the go between. And he was really open. He said it a little bit on Monday. He said it in the preseason. You know, seven years ago, I would have never been able to picture Mike McDonald's standing up in front of a team and leading them, and now he is doing phenomenally well in that position.

So it's kind of.

So it's kind of.

Cool to have that perspective where you see the growth and you see where this can go.

Cool to have that perspective where you see the growth and you see where this can go.

For sure.

For sure.

Yeah, it's interesting because Leslie Fraser was essentially McDonald's boss. He was not the head coach, but he was a secondary coach and McDonald's a young assistant working with the secondary.

Yeah, it's interesting because Leslie Fraser was essentially McDonald's boss. He was not the head coach, but he was a secondary coach and McDonald's a young assistant working with the secondary.

So roles changed a little bit.

So roles changed a little bit.

But it's really fun to see you get that perspective from Leslie Fraser on Mike McDonald.

But it's really fun to see you get that perspective from Leslie Fraser on Mike McDonald.

We are broadcasting from the Seahawks Podcast Studio presented by Sony, the official headphones partner of the Seattle Seahawks. The Hawks heading on the road this week. They've been pretty good. They've been four and one on the road this one has a lot of implications, and we expect to see a lot of Seahawks fans down in the desert, which is why I will still be using some noise canceling headphones in this NFL season. You can feel every play, hit, every moment with a Sony one thousand XM five noise canceling headphones, the official headphones of the Seattle Seahawks. With premium noise cancelation, you were in the zone, no distractions, just pure football. Whether you are in your living room or on the go, you will never miss a beat with Sony headphones. It is true the Seahawks fans are far louder in Arizona than the Cardinals.

We are broadcasting from the Seahawks Podcast Studio presented by Sony, the official headphones partner of the Seattle Seahawks. The Hawks heading on the road this week. They've been pretty good. They've been four and one on the road this one has a lot of implications, and we expect to see a lot of Seahawks fans down in the desert, which is why I will still be using some noise canceling headphones in this NFL season. You can feel every play, hit, every moment with a Sony one thousand XM five noise canceling headphones, the official headphones of the Seattle Seahawks. With premium noise cancelation, you were in the zone, no distractions, just pure football. Whether you are in your living room or on the go, you will never miss a beat with Sony headphones. It is true the Seahawks fans are far louder in Arizona than the Cardinals.

Yeah, I'm sorry, it's just true.

Yeah, I'm sorry, it's just true.

They have great fans.

They have great fans.

I think you know a it's a fun and easy place for Seahawks fans to travel in December.

I think you know a it's a fun and easy place for Seahawks fans to travel in December.

I'm assuming it's warm. I haven't looked.

I'm assuming it's warm. I haven't looked.

I'm just gonna take for granted mid toubber seventies. Oh perfect, beautiful. Yeah, that might even be open the roof weather. That would be so fine. Window they have there between when it's too hot and then when you.

I'm just gonna take for granted mid toubber seventies. Oh perfect, beautiful. Yeah, that might even be open the roof weather. That would be so fine. Window they have there between when it's too hot and then when you.

Start I think there's also an issue with sunlight blinding some of the people in maybe, so, I mean it doesn't affect me on the field, well, I mean it's lovely if they wanted to open.

Start I think there's also an issue with sunlight blinding some of the people in maybe, so, I mean it doesn't affect me on the field, well, I mean it's lovely if they wanted to open.

A great place for Seahawks fan to travel, and b I just think there's a lost SIAX fans down there. So yeah, it gets pretty loud and a lot of the green and blue jerseys and hopefully hopefully we get more of that.

A great place for Seahawks fan to travel, and b I just think there's a lost SIAX fans down there. So yeah, it gets pretty loud and a lot of the green and blue jerseys and hopefully hopefully we get more of that.

Hopefully we do this week.

Hopefully we do this week.

According to Aaron Shatz of NFL, he's done a number of things around the NFL, but he's a shats NFL on X. Seahawks at Cardinals is by far the most important game of the week for the playoff picture. In their simulations, the Seahawks win would make the Seahawks sixty two percent likely to make the playoffs, with the Cardinals at seventeen percent. If the Cardinals win, it's seventy one percent for Arizona eleven percent for Seattle. Those numbers sound about right, Yeah.

According to Aaron Shatz of NFL, he's done a number of things around the NFL, but he's a shats NFL on X. Seahawks at Cardinals is by far the most important game of the week for the playoff picture. In their simulations, the Seahawks win would make the Seahawks sixty two percent likely to make the playoffs, with the Cardinals at seventeen percent. If the Cardinals win, it's seventy one percent for Arizona eleven percent for Seattle. Those numbers sound about right, Yeah.

I mean you look at where they are in the standings and tiebreaker stuff, where if the Seahawks win, it doesn't only open up a two game lead, it's a two game lead with a tiebreaker with four games to play.

I mean you look at where they are in the standings and tiebreaker stuff, where if the Seahawks win, it doesn't only open up a two game lead, it's a two game lead with a tiebreaker with four games to play.

That's a I mean, look, we got you stuff.

That's a I mean, look, we got you stuff.

For about the other teams in the division, they're not out of it either, but for the top two teams right now, that's a huge siding factor. And if the Cardinals beat you, you're tied up, and they're going to have the tiebreakers with conference record and the division record.

For about the other teams in the division, they're not out of it either, but for the top two teams right now, that's a huge siding factor. And if the Cardinals beat you, you're tied up, and they're going to have the tiebreakers with conference record and the division record.

Yes, and the Seahawks' schedule, if you look at strength of schedule, is actually harder than the Cardinals. That's another bid because you've still got Green Bay and Minnesota coming up. You've got Chicago in weather like I know what the record says for the Bears, but that is a tough place to play the day after Christmas, and then the Rams are a tough matchup.

Yes, and the Seahawks' schedule, if you look at strength of schedule, is actually harder than the Cardinals. That's another bid because you've still got Green Bay and Minnesota coming up. You've got Chicago in weather like I know what the record says for the Bears, but that is a tough place to play the day after Christmas, and then the Rams are a tough matchup.

All right, Chicago especially, you're going on a short week, and they as much as their record doesn't look good, they've been competitively. They're pushing teams to the finish. So I don't look at any game left on the schedule and think, oh, that's an easy win. I guess it's gonna be tough. And you're right that the Cardinals have a little bit easier of a path, So why getting this one for the Seahawks would be mighty mighty big.

All right, Chicago especially, you're going on a short week, and they as much as their record doesn't look good, they've been competitively. They're pushing teams to the finish. So I don't look at any game left on the schedule and think, oh, that's an easy win. I guess it's gonna be tough. And you're right that the Cardinals have a little bit easier of a path, So why getting this one for the Seahawks would be mighty mighty big.

You know what's kind of interesting about this is that we know the implications of this. This is the first season in fourteen years players have talked about the implications of a single game in December, right, it's a little different.

You know what's kind of interesting about this is that we know the implications of this. This is the first season in fourteen years players have talked about the implications of a single game in December, right, it's a little different.

It's a little different. It's not bad.

It's a little different. It's not bad.

It's just I don't think it's as different as people are making it out to be, because with Pete Carroll, it was every week's the same, treated all the same, every week's tam and they're talking about this being like a playoff game. But basically what they've been saying is every week's a playoff game, because it's this isn't language, but they're sescentially saying it's the biggest game we have right now. And I can remember who the players, but somebody said, like made that comment, like this is the game we have this week, and so it's not as I don't think they're sitting here looking at the playoff odds right now, and I don't think they're looking at oh, Arizona's got Carolina while we have to play Green Bay Like I don't think they're looking and treating it like we are. I do think though, just just more of a difference of language, but it's still the ultimate goal of that language is to focus on this game and make this game the big deal. And that's what Pee Carroll's trying to to do as well. He just worded it a little differently.

It's just I don't think it's as different as people are making it out to be, because with Pete Carroll, it was every week's the same, treated all the same, every week's tam and they're talking about this being like a playoff game. But basically what they've been saying is every week's a playoff game, because it's this isn't language, but they're sescentially saying it's the biggest game we have right now. And I can remember who the players, but somebody said, like made that comment, like this is the game we have this week, and so it's not as I don't think they're sitting here looking at the playoff odds right now, and I don't think they're looking at oh, Arizona's got Carolina while we have to play Green Bay Like I don't think they're looking and treating it like we are. I do think though, just just more of a difference of language, but it's still the ultimate goal of that language is to focus on this game and make this game the big deal. And that's what Pee Carroll's trying to to do as well. He just worded it a little differently.

Yeah, and if you were going to be playing playoff type games in December, you've got to have all three phases going. We've talked to a little offense, a little defense. Special teams is a big conversation. Yeah, it's a big conversation. And look, we know what, Let's focus on the positives, all right. Jason Myers seven field goals this year, a fifty yards or more. He has been absolute money. Michael Dixon can flip the field better than anybody else. He's dealing with backspacsens. The return game for the Seahawks on kickoff returns has been pretty good this year, but their top returner.

Yeah, and if you were going to be playing playoff type games in December, you've got to have all three phases going. We've talked to a little offense, a little defense. Special teams is a big conversation. Yeah, it's a big conversation. And look, we know what, Let's focus on the positives, all right. Jason Myers seven field goals this year, a fifty yards or more. He has been absolute money. Michael Dixon can flip the field better than anybody else. He's dealing with backspacsens. The return game for the Seahawks on kickoff returns has been pretty good this year, but their top returner.

I'm sensing a however.

I'm sensing a however.

Was released and you're coming off a game where I mean it just it looked like the wheels fell off on special teams.

Was released and you're coming off a game where I mean it just it looked like the wheels fell off on special teams.

OUs rough like to turn it over twice and put a third kickoff on the ground that they were able to recover. Like that's just a disaster. You had a kick block, you gave up a ninety nine yard touchdown return. To do all that and win is pretty amazing, by the way, but it's it was rough to see and.

OUs rough like to turn it over twice and put a third kickoff on the ground that they were able to recover. Like that's just a disaster. You had a kick block, you gave up a ninety nine yard touchdown return. To do all that and win is pretty amazing, by the way, but it's it was rough to see and.

Yes, and to the point where I actually thought maybe they were trying some different alignments, like maybe they had schemed up something different that they'd seen on film and it just like Jets went away from that. Patrick O'Connell, who was on special teams for fourteen snaps every team except punt team, said it was a case of people trying to do too much for whatever reason that is. He attributed a lot of that to trying to do too much however they got there. The Seahawks have some question marks that they're looking to answer before Sunday.

Yes, and to the point where I actually thought maybe they were trying some different alignments, like maybe they had schemed up something different that they'd seen on film and it just like Jets went away from that. Patrick O'Connell, who was on special teams for fourteen snaps every team except punt team, said it was a case of people trying to do too much for whatever reason that is. He attributed a lot of that to trying to do too much however they got there. The Seahawks have some question marks that they're looking to answer before Sunday.

Yeah, i'd say, like both returner spots and the punt and the kickoff return game we're working through still, so we don't have an answer quite yet. We have some people that we're going to be working at those spots, d included, So I just don't have an answer for you exactly what we're gonna do right now.

Yeah, i'd say, like both returner spots and the punt and the kickoff return game we're working through still, so we don't have an answer quite yet. We have some people that we're going to be working at those spots, d included, So I just don't have an answer for you exactly what we're gonna do right now.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So Dee Williams, he's been one of their two kick returners all year and their punt returner as Mike McDonald, he'll be in the mix, but it's not a lock he's going to be back there. He did have one of those fumbles. He has muffed a couple punts this year, so it hasn't been as clean as you'd like from the rookie. Who's it gonna be, We'll have to wait and see, you know. I know Penny McIntosh has done it in the past. We saw Zach Sharbone back there in the short portion open to the media yesterday. Derek Young's been back there for returns in the past, so he's another option they could look at.

So Dee Williams, he's been one of their two kick returners all year and their punt returner as Mike McDonald, he'll be in the mix, but it's not a lock he's going to be back there. He did have one of those fumbles. He has muffed a couple punts this year, so it hasn't been as clean as you'd like from the rookie. Who's it gonna be, We'll have to wait and see, you know. I know Penny McIntosh has done it in the past. We saw Zach Sharbone back there in the short portion open to the media yesterday. Derek Young's been back there for returns in the past, so he's another option they could look at.

But yeah, I don't know. Trey Brown has some return experience.

But yeah, I don't know. Trey Brown has some return experience.

I don't know if he've done it in an NFL game, but he's definite done it in training camp, he did it in college. So we'll have to see what they do with that position. But yeah, I mean it's I mean, you'd love to get some big returns and some big plays, but more an anything, you just need to be ball secure like you can't.

I don't know if he've done it in an NFL game, but he's definite done it in training camp, he did it in college. So we'll have to see what they do with that position. But yeah, I mean it's I mean, you'd love to get some big returns and some big plays, but more an anything, you just need to be ball secure like you can't.

I mean, we saw that you can't sacrifice yards, and you can't be starting from deep in your own.

I mean, we saw that you can't sacrifice yards, and you can't be starting from deep in your own.

Territory, and most of all, you can't be given the ball away.

Territory, and most of all, you can't be given the ball away.

Yeah, like that's going back real quick to Jayson Myers before we get off special teams. That fifty four yard field goal, given everything going on special teams was like, to me, the underrat to play the game.

Yeah, like that's going back real quick to Jayson Myers before we get off special teams. That fifty four yard field goal, given everything going on special teams was like, to me, the underrat to play the game.

I mean, obviously Leo had to play the.

I mean, obviously Leo had to play the.

Game, but I think all this when they went out to kick that field goal, We're like, oh God, what's gonna happen? Like, is it gonna get blocked?

Game, but I think all this when they went out to kick that field goal, We're like, oh God, what's gonna happen? Like, is it gonna get blocked?

Is it?

Is it?

I was like, snap over somebody's head, They're going to return it for a touch Like I was thinking the worst.

I was like, snap over somebody's head, They're going to return it for a touch Like I was thinking the worst.

So for him in bad weather, cold.

So for him in bad weather, cold.

Windy day to drill that, that was a pretty big moment I think to maybe settle some people down on special teams.

Windy day to drill that, that was a pretty big moment I think to maybe settle some people down on special teams.

And the fact that Michael Dixon was able to finish the game holding.

And the fact that Michael Dixon was able to finish the game holding.

You see him getting up and down when you had to get down to hold it.

You see him getting up and down when you had to get down to hold it.

I was watching him on the sidelines the entire time and nothing happened, and he said that he was like I don't know, Like I just I went to go and like you know, grab the ball, and my back just tightened up and he was in some obvious pain. And they worked for a very long time and he came back out of the locker room and I watched him like go through one motion, and you know, kind of the word was if you had to get him, Like, if he had to he was going to be able to do it once and.

I was watching him on the sidelines the entire time and nothing happened, and he said that he was like I don't know, Like I just I went to go and like you know, grab the ball, and my back just tightened up and he was in some obvious pain. And they worked for a very long time and he came back out of the locker room and I watched him like go through one motion, and you know, kind of the word was if you had to get him, Like, if he had to he was going to be able to do it once and.

Then he's going to be probably laying on the ground.

Then he's going to be probably laying on the ground.

It was, I mean, my gosh, Like but I don't think people realize how big of a deal that is, because if you put Brady Russell out there, first of all, you had windy conditions, it is cold. It is a big time play in a big time game. I'm not saying Brady Russell can't do it. You don't want your backup holder out there that whole Like the mechanics of all that.

It was, I mean, my gosh, Like but I don't think people realize how big of a deal that is, because if you put Brady Russell out there, first of all, you had windy conditions, it is cold. It is a big time play in a big time game. I'm not saying Brady Russell can't do it. You don't want your backup holder out there that whole Like the mechanics of all that.

It seems so routine because they practiced all the time, but a lot can go wrong if you change one element of it.

It seems so routine because they practiced all the time, but a lot can go wrong if you change one element of it.

See X.

See X.

Fans who've been watching this team for a while might remember twenty thirteen against the Titans, Steven how she gets hurt making a tackle. It's the end of the half. They decided to John Ryan out to kick a short field goal. You're thinking, of course it happens, maybe they miss it. Not a big deal. It's the end of the half. No, Chris Maragos filling in as a holder, can't quite recover it or can't quite handle it. He gets up and runs, bumbles, goes the other way. I don't know, ninety yards for a touchdown. So nothing against Chris Maragos wasn't his position. But that's just a good example of it might not seem like a big deal. Oh he's the backup holder, but that's a more complex play than people realize because they just make it looks soroutine.

Fans who've been watching this team for a while might remember twenty thirteen against the Titans, Steven how she gets hurt making a tackle. It's the end of the half. They decided to John Ryan out to kick a short field goal. You're thinking, of course it happens, maybe they miss it. Not a big deal. It's the end of the half. No, Chris Maragos filling in as a holder, can't quite recover it or can't quite handle it. He gets up and runs, bumbles, goes the other way. I don't know, ninety yards for a touchdown. So nothing against Chris Maragos wasn't his position. But that's just a good example of it might not seem like a big deal. Oh he's the backup holder, but that's a more complex play than people realize because they just make it looks soroutine.

Also, it is a much different process to kick a field goal than to punt the ball. So for people who said, why didn't Jason Myers just go out there and punt, look, I watched him practice doing that a few times on the sideline.

Also, it is a much different process to kick a field goal than to punt the ball. So for people who said, why didn't Jason Myers just go out there and punt, look, I watched him practice doing that a few times on the sideline.

No idea where that ball was going to go.

No idea where that ball was going to go.

I'm not saying like, yeah, just because you can go through the motion does not mean that that is a given.

I'm not saying like, yeah, just because you can go through the motion does not mean that that is a given.

So, nor has he spent a lot of time catching snaps for well, there is that, which is a totally different play as well.

So, nor has he spent a lot of time catching snaps for well, there is that, which is a totally different play as well.

Yes, and you actually would have to change your shit for that.

Yes, and you actually would have to change your shit for that.

A kicker has different shoes and like he likes them tighter and differently. You don't really want that bouncing off the top of your foot. We are broadcasting from the Seahawks Podcast Studio, presented by Sony, the official headphones partner of the Seattle Seahawks. Let's get back to a couple of things that we need to consider on Sunday. We're thinking about special teams. You're thinking about bottling up James Connor. Trey McBride is actually the one who racked up the most yards against the Seahawks in that first meeting one hundred and thirty three. And yet do you know this, John he holds the NFL record. He has seventy three receptions this year, zero touchdown catches, just two touchdowns, but not off of passes. Oh really, He's got one that was a fumble and one that was a designed run.

A kicker has different shoes and like he likes them tighter and differently. You don't really want that bouncing off the top of your foot. We are broadcasting from the Seahawks Podcast Studio, presented by Sony, the official headphones partner of the Seattle Seahawks. Let's get back to a couple of things that we need to consider on Sunday. We're thinking about special teams. You're thinking about bottling up James Connor. Trey McBride is actually the one who racked up the most yards against the Seahawks in that first meeting one hundred and thirty three. And yet do you know this, John he holds the NFL record. He has seventy three receptions this year, zero touchdown catches, just two touchdowns, but not off of passes. Oh really, He's got one that was a fumble and one that was a designed run.

Okay, yeah, how about that.

Okay, yeah, how about that.

When I looked at this staling, I's like, man, he's having a great Wait a minute, the touchdown. Oh yeah, you think like tight ends past catching tight ends being these really good red zones.

When I looked at this staling, I's like, man, he's having a great Wait a minute, the touchdown. Oh yeah, you think like tight ends past catching tight ends being these really good red zones.

I know, let's not jinx it though, I know.

I know, let's not jinx it though, I know.

I know. Well, I would say like knock on wood or just like count on the Seahawks defense. But it's not just slowing him down as we mentioned as a pass catcher, he's going to affect the game.

I know. Well, I would say like knock on wood or just like count on the Seahawks defense. But it's not just slowing him down as we mentioned as a pass catcher, he's going to affect the game.

In a lot of ways.

In a lot of ways.

Well, I think I think it happens really in all three phases. Both in the drop back game. He's a really good route runner, so he can get open on his zone in their action stuff, and he's fast enough to run away and has a good field for the zones down the field. And then he arguably makes his most damage in the catch and run stuff on some of the movements and screening in that they have for him, so they can get him involved in really their entire drop, entire passing game. So it's not just like one thing where you have to eliminate.

Well, I think I think it happens really in all three phases. Both in the drop back game. He's a really good route runner, so he can get open on his zone in their action stuff, and he's fast enough to run away and has a good field for the zones down the field. And then he arguably makes his most damage in the catch and run stuff on some of the movements and screening in that they have for him, so they can get him involved in really their entire drop, entire passing game. So it's not just like one thing where you have to eliminate.

The Seahawks obviously want to do a better job against McBride. We saw one of the plays in that game. My Mund McDonald looked really angry. Was clearly something got messed up in the coverage and he was wide open. Well, this is longer plays, but you made this point, Jen, Mike McColl's never gonna admit to this, but there's got to be some sense of like, look if their star running back has eight yards and we keep them out of the end zone and Kyler Murray doesn't run all over us, and their tight end gets one hundred and thirty three yards.

The Seahawks obviously want to do a better job against McBride. We saw one of the plays in that game. My Mund McDonald looked really angry. Was clearly something got messed up in the coverage and he was wide open. Well, this is longer plays, but you made this point, Jen, Mike McColl's never gonna admit to this, but there's got to be some sense of like, look if their star running back has eight yards and we keep them out of the end zone and Kyler Murray doesn't run all over us, and their tight end gets one hundred and thirty three yards.

You can kind of live with.

You can kind of live with.

That, Like, again, you're not going to this game saying let's just let the tight end get what he can get. But sometimes a good talented offense Cardinals have a lot of events. You can't take away every single thing. So I will gladly trade the overall result last last game for the one hundred and thirty three yards. But I also don't want to see him running quite so open so often.

That, Like, again, you're not going to this game saying let's just let the tight end get what he can get. But sometimes a good talented offense Cardinals have a lot of events. You can't take away every single thing. So I will gladly trade the overall result last last game for the one hundred and thirty three yards. But I also don't want to see him running quite so open so often.

Well, I feel like you're just kind of playing with fire.

Well, I feel like you're just kind of playing with fire.

But Mike McDonald did say earlier in the season when we asked about explosive plays and how you chart those, he goes, look, you can torture the numbers. It really comes down to how did that play affect the game. Seattle was able to keep him in check when it mattered because he didn't score and Kyler Murray didn't find the end zone. Let's pause right now for a quick word from our presenting sponsor.

But Mike McDonald did say earlier in the season when we asked about explosive plays and how you chart those, he goes, look, you can torture the numbers. It really comes down to how did that play affect the game. Seattle was able to keep him in check when it mattered because he didn't score and Kyler Murray didn't find the end zone. Let's pause right now for a quick word from our presenting sponsor.

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We've covered this matchup from start to finish, and it's kind of, you know, almost a rehash of a couple of weeks ago. But I do have two new things I need to see from the Seahawks. Like I won't say new, I have two very specific things I need to see from the Seahawks this week to get away, all right, let's hear it. Number One, I need to see Gino stay upright, because the Cardinals had five sacks in that first mission, say turned down exactly. In fact, the Cardinals, where was my number? I think they've racked up twenty six sacks in the last three games, and five of those came against Gino Smith, So keep him upright on the defensive side of things, red zone defense. You might remember that when the Cardinals came to town, there were sixteen for sixteen in goal to go situations. They are now zero for three in those situations the last couple of weeks, just one for eight in the red zone the last two weeks. So red zone defense, step up and keep those numbers, keep that trend going downward for the Cardinals.

We've covered this matchup from start to finish, and it's kind of, you know, almost a rehash of a couple of weeks ago. But I do have two new things I need to see from the Seahawks. Like I won't say new, I have two very specific things I need to see from the Seahawks this week to get away, all right, let's hear it. Number One, I need to see Gino stay upright, because the Cardinals had five sacks in that first mission, say turned down exactly. In fact, the Cardinals, where was my number? I think they've racked up twenty six sacks in the last three games, and five of those came against Gino Smith, So keep him upright on the defensive side of things, red zone defense. You might remember that when the Cardinals came to town, there were sixteen for sixteen in goal to go situations. They are now zero for three in those situations the last couple of weeks, just one for eight in the red zone the last two weeks. So red zone defense, step up and keep those numbers, keep that trend going downward for the Cardinals.

I like that, and you.

I like that, and you.

We talked about this earlier, but I think a big overall issue at the Seahawks offense not functioning as well as they wants been the run game. And again we saw some glimpses in the second half, and I just want to see a more productive run game, you know, get somewhere from the one hundred, one hundred and twenty rushing yard, like designed rushing yards, not not the forty yard or thirty yard Geno Smith scramble, which I like, I'll take it, but I want some Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnay rushing yards.

We talked about this earlier, but I think a big overall issue at the Seahawks offense not functioning as well as they wants been the run game. And again we saw some glimpses in the second half, and I just want to see a more productive run game, you know, get somewhere from the one hundred, one hundred and twenty rushing yard, like designed rushing yards, not not the forty yard or thirty yard Geno Smith scramble, which I like, I'll take it, but I want some Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnay rushing yards.

And then I want to keep the turnovers going. Get another interception.

And then I want to keep the turnovers going. Get another interception.

I mean, we could be greedy and say another defensive touchdown, but let's just have two takeaways.

I mean, we could be greedy and say another defensive touchdown, but let's just have two takeaways.

Don't care how I feel like you're a little greedy on both of those. So why not just you know, go for the home run.

Don't care how I feel like you're a little greedy on both of those. So why not just you know, go for the home run.

Two hundred rushing yards and pick six is nice.

Two hundred rushing yards and pick six is nice.

Wait a minute, you're averaging eighty seven rushing yards a game, and you don't think one twenty is greedy?

Wait a minute, you're averaging eighty seven rushing yards a game, and you don't think one twenty is greedy?

Said, between one hundred and one hundred and twenty, I put a range, and no, I don't think it's greedy. Okay, I think it's I think this offense can be better, and I'm just I think I'm like the parent who expects more out of their children.

Said, between one hundred and one hundred and twenty, I put a range, and no, I don't think it's greedy. Okay, I think it's I think this offense can be better, and I'm just I think I'm like the parent who expects more out of their children.

The B minus isn't gonna cut it.

The B minus isn't gonna cut it.

Yeah, like you can do better. That's all.

Yeah, like you can do better. That's all.

We started with parenthood talk.

We started with parenthood talk.

We're going to end with parenthood talk, and we'll be back next week for another edition of the Seahawks Insiders podcast

We're going to end with parenthood talk, and we'll be back next week for another edition of the Seahawks Insiders podcast