The Seahawks’ wideouts just picked up leverage before kickoff. Arizona ruled out both starting cornerbacks – Will Johnson and Max Melton – and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. for Sunday’s NFC West matchup at Lumen Field, and B.J. Ojulari won’t be activated, team reporters and multiple outlets confirmed on November 7.
What It Means for Seattle on Sunday
GettyThe Seattle Seahawks offense could be in for another big day after the Arizona Cardinals announced their starting cornerbacks will be out of Seattle’s Week 10 game.
On paper, this tilts directly toward Seattle’s passing script. ESPN lists Johnson as Arizona’s starting left corner and Melton at right corner, underscoring how thin the Cardinals are on the outside. Nickel is already a concern with Garrett Williams on injured reserve. That combination gives Seattle chances to dictate matchups with motion, stacks and formation strength to the boundary.
Seattle’s current receiving rotation features Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp, with Sam Darnold ready to expand upon his hot start to the season. Expect OC Klint Kubiak to leverage JSN’s short-area quickness on option routes and whip/out breaks, while using Kupp’s condensed splits to create free releases and Shaheed’s speed to test replacement corners vertically, assuming Kupp can Shaheed are fully unleashed (Kupp was a limited participant in his most recent practice) Shot plays off play-action to the field side should be there, particularly if Arizona is forced to spin safety help late.
From a pressure standpoint, Ojulari remaining inactive removes a potential edge-speed element, simplifying Seattle’s protection IDs and chipping plans. Arizona still has front-seven pieces, but losing Wilson also trims second-level range in some defensive looks, opening voids for crossers and digs at 10-18 yards.
Matchups to Watch
GettyNFL-leading receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be in for a monster game against a depleted Cardinals secondary.
JSN in the slot vs. AZ nickel: With Johnson and Melton out and Williams on IR, Seattle can force Arizona’s depth to cover two-way goes. Look for choice routes at the sticks and glance RPOs when AZ lightens the box.
Kupp on return routes vs. replacement CBs: Seattle can motion Kupp to stack or bunch to erase jams and hunt leverage on pivots and option seams.
Shaheed clear-outs to unlock intermediate digs: If AZ gives respect to the post, it opens the dig window for JSN/Kupp and deep over for the TE.
Seattle also benefits situationally. Without two starters, Arizona’s third-down menu likely shrinks – less zero, more zone-match. That helps Darnold get to his answers fast and keeps the ball out on time. The Cardinals will try to counter with disguise and safety rotation, but Seattle can tempo into base looks and use quick game to keep the rush honest.
The Nuts & Bolts: Time, Place & What’s Official
Kickoff is November 9 at 4:05 p.m. EST at Lumen Field. Arizona’s inactives list will formalize before kickoff, but multiple team outlets reported Friday that Johnson, Melton and Wilson are out and Ojulari will not be activated.
Big Picture for Seattle
This is a chance for Seattle to lean on its wideouts and build an early lead in a division race that rewards clean, turnover-free football. Expect a pass-leaning script early, then a pivot to Kenneth Walker III/Zach Charbonnet to close if the Seahawks are ahead. If Arizona rolls extra help at JSN, Kupp’s option tree becomes the pressure valve; if the Cards bracket Kupp on third downs, Shaheed’s speed is the counter punch.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Seahawks Set To Feast After Receiving Huge Cardinals Week 10 News appeared first on Heavy Sports.