The NFC West showdown between the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks could be the game of the week in NFL Week 12. Both Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf and Cardinals tight end Trey McBride lead their teams in receptions, but which player will have the bigger game? Weekend?
Metcalf's size presents a major mismatch with the available defensive backs on the Cardinals' depth chart, requiring defensive coordinator Nick Rallis to conjure up an answer. Metcalf enters Week 12 after recording seven receptions for 70 yards in last week's 20-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith has totaled 2,781 passing yards so far this season and is No. 4 in the NFL in that category, leading the league with 278.1 yards per game. The Cardinals allow around 218 passing yards per game.
With Smith's scrambling ability, it would be unwise for Rallis to stay in zone coverage. Instead, Rallis may need to play more man and blitz packages to rush Smith on throws. However, this can lead to 1-on-1 opportunities for Metcalf in the intermediate and short passing games.
Make something in honor of Trey's birthday 🎉
– Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals)
McBride's success will depend more on whether or not the Cardinals can stay away from down and distance. Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald knows exactly how to ignite a pass rush, so the Cardinals will have to compensate by establishing the run with running back James Conner. If the Cardinals are able to pull off a few quality running plays, they will give McBride the opportunity to be a force in the play-action passing game.
Ultimately, both teams are likely to produce quality passing yards if they stick with their balanced attacks. Whichever team can avoid turnovers and maintain offensive attacks has the best chance of winning this game.
The calm before the storm.
– Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks)
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