ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Thanks much for taking the most recent Hot Topic conversation to a high level as we debated the Seahawks' and Cardinals' chances against one another in Week 11. The question: Will the Seahawks beat the Cardinals on Sunday?

I copied the comments Wednesday night and spent some time weaving my own thoughts and responses into the dialogue. We lead off with Andrew in Arizona, who was nice enough to share some pregame grub when I dropped by his spot in the parking lot Monday night.

bartcatz: OK Sando, consider your challenge met! I think the cardinals are poised to seal the division this weekend. The seahawks are just too banged up. I don't think they'll be able to move the ball at all. I have to give the 49ers credit - they seemed to be able to convert almost every 3rd down on Monday night, it was extremely frustrating. But the talent on the field that the 49ers have is WAY better than what the seahawks would be fielding. I mean, Hasselback would be on IR by now if they had anyone the talent level of even Lienart to back him up. Cards 28 - Hawks 10.

Mike Sando: I'm a little surprised you think the 49ers have that much more talent than the Seahawks. The last game between the teams suggested otherwise, and the home-field advantage goes to Seattle in this game against the Cardinals. But let's continue. This conversation is only getting started.

Pete Reggio: It's possible, but not likely (for Seattle to win). Hass is back, but this is his first week in a while. Add the receiver situation, and it looks like the passing game still won't be working. If the Cards key more on the run, it will be yet one more of several lame offensive productions we've already seen this season. That will put too much pressure on the defense to win the game for us.

If the passing game can actually produce results, we have a chance. I just don't see Hass stepping onto the field rusty and turning receivers we've had trouble with all season into heroes. But stranger things have happened.

Mike Sando: There's a realistic Seahawks fan for you. I also think the Seahawks might have a hard time suddenly finding rhythm and timing in the passing game. Let's see whether Hasselbeck appears tentative in making throws based on where he thinks the receivers will or will not be. I have a hard time thinking he'll suddenly be comfortable.

krankor: I subscribe to the wake-up-call theory for the Cardinals, and, moreover, I think it is unreasonable to expect Hasselbeck to be sharp after such a long layoff. He's gonna be rusty, and, while he'll be an improvement for the team, I don't think it'll be enough.

Mike Sando: The Cardinals have everything to prove in this game. It's a statement game for them. The Seahawks are just trying to field an offense. Anything can happen at Qwest Field if the Seattle defense separates Warner from the football. But so far this season, Warner has gotten rid of it on time. I think this game represents a mental hurdle for the Cardinals. And while I'm not sure they'll clear it, they might not get a better opportunity.

andrewjudd: I believe the Seahawks will be able to pull off the upset if Hasselbeck is really back, if the defense continues the trend of keeping the team in the game (and that's a big if!), the receivers are not called upon to make key catches at the end of the game (I have no faith in the Seahawks receivers right now), and if the offensive line pass protects well (the Seahawks will not be able to rely too heavily on the run without a legitimate passing game!).

I believe the Cardinals will win the game if any of the above does not happen for the Seahawks, the Cardinals defense is not left on the field too long (they appear vulnerable if worn down, but they have played from ahead most of the season so they haven't really been tested in that way), or the Cardinals find a way to have a decent run game to compliment the dominant aerial assault.

My prediction: Seahawks 27, Cardinals 24 (12th man allows Seahawks defense to gain at least 3 sacks and a few key false starts)

Mike Sando: You outlined a long list of conditions the Seahawks need to meet, and then you conceded that meeting even one of them could be unlikely, and then you picked the Seahawks to win the game. That's a lot of faith in the 12th Man. A couple of years ago, I decided to almost never pick against Seattle at home, based on the way Seattle managed to win there even against great odds (such as when Jordan Babineaux picked off Drew Bledsoe and ran out of bounds just as he got into field-goal range, allowing for a long field goal as time expired). The situation is different this season, but the pressure is on the Cardinals. If they can't beat the Seahawks under these circumstances, it's tough to envision them winning in Seattle down the road.

catwalk500: Some things the Cardinals have got to improve on if they expect to continue to win, especially in the playoffs. I couldn't believe they ended up winning the game [Monday] night. They nearly gave it away. First, please stop the run. I think I could run for a hundred against them. That's pitiful. Second, stop making boneheaded mistakes (penalties) . They seem to come at the most crucial time. Third, don't be so conservative with to much time left on the clock. If there's more than two minutes left on the clock, throw the ball!!

Mike Sando: Ken Whisenhunt, conservative? Not most of the time. But I think there was a feeling late in the game that the 49ers might have a hard time moving the ball efficiently based on their second-half struggles. The Seahawks will need to pass the ball halfway decently to open up the ground game. If they can do that, Seattle should be able to get Julius Jones going. Just not sure if the Seahawks can score enough points without a touchdown (or more) from the defense.

AndrewDKutz: I don't think the past can be any indicator on this one. Both teams will be playing their butts off. This is a game that the Cardinals will, obviously, really want to win so as to prove that they are a better team than they showed on MNF. The Seahawks, on the other hand, will have the home field, and will really believe they can win because of the Cards performance Monday.

In the end, I think it could be really close. The way the Cardinals can pull this off is if they don't make as many mistakes as they did against the Niners, and Kurt Warner plays well. THey will be very hard to stop if some sort of running game shows up.

Mike Sando: A victory of any kind would be huge for Arizona. But a close victory in a hard-fought game would be really valuable, in my view, and a step forward for the Cardinals on the road.

Mr_Zero_: I don't think the Seahawks will win this game unless Jones runs all over the place. Jones has a 4.6 yard per carry average and I think the Seahawks have a better O Line than the 49ers, so if they give him the ball 20+ times they could do something like the 49ers just did. And if the crowd noise makes a difference it could happen.

The Cardinals are 2-2 in games that they've given up more than 100 yards rushing. The 2 games where they gave up more than 100 yards rushing and won were against the 49ers. Had the 49ers not had so many turnovers and little better game management last night
they could have won either or both of those games. I think a team that can put pressure on Warner and run the ball can beat the Cardinals. They are very one dimensional in my opinion.

I think the Seahawks will be able to put more pressure on him than the 49ers, but only San Diego gives up more passing yards so it may not help.

Mike Sando: Strong analysis. The Cardinals' offensive line will probably have some one-on-one matchup problems. They have to like their chances better given Patrick Kerney's health situation. Getting to Warner early -- first-drive early -- and forcing a turnover would be huge. I still wonder if the Seahawks would be able to sustain it. The Cardinals have proved they can fall behind and still put up points, as they did against the Jets. Arizona has the ability to weather the storm early and outscore the Seahawks as the game progresses.

Mind of no mind: This game is a tough call. Cards fans here are going all out in singing Warner's praise, but this is the same Warner that threw 5 picks and was sacked 5 times last year when he came to Qwest field. And you can go on all you want about what an amazing season Warner is having, but if you look at Warner's stats last year, he was putting up amazing numbers then, too, when given the opportunity.

The Seahawks are certainly having a down year, but their defense has bounced back the last few games and were the only reason the Hawks were in those games. If Hasselbeck can play, the Hawks have a real chance of having their offense bounce back as well. If Frye gets the start, then Seattle is screwed. But I am a realist, I don't expect the Hawks to win, but at the same time, I won't really be surprised if they do. Like I said, this is a tough game to call.

Mike Sando: Nothing wrong with a little pragmatism. Warner has done a better job protecting the football this season, save for one quarter of sloppy play against the Jets (fueled by serious issues in pass protection). Warner is usually good for one meltdown game a season. If the Seahawks can make it two, they'll win this game.

cdr400: If AZ lets Hasselbeck sit in the pocket, then the Cards are done. Other than that, if AZ takes care of business as expected and doesn't give the game away on dumb defensive penalties, take the Cards and the points.

Mike Sando: Who would have thought anyone would be offering the Cardinals and points heading into a game at Qwest Field?

IrishDoug83: win those divisional games at any cost. if we pass 60 times and run 15, so be it. win the division first, then attempt to establish a run game. that's how i see it. i feel like one of the reasons SF stayed in it [Monday] night was due to Wiz trying to force the run when it clearly wasn't working. if we just play our style of football sunday, i think we'll win. we're a healthy, scary offense. knock on wood.

Mike Sando: I had a version of that feeling during the Monday night game. Kurt Warner seems to be at his best flinging the ball around with three and four receivers. I haven't seen enough evidence suggesting the offense can sustain success any other way. Warner gives this offense its identity, for better and (to a lesser degree) worse.

cyclonem31: AZ is bad on the road and historically bad in Seattle, Hasselbeck is back which elevates the Seahawks, and the Cards have trouble running the ball and stopping the run.

But, the Cards have an MVP candidate in Warner, they have 6 wins and the Hawks have 2, recently (Seattle in 2005) the best team in the division has gone 6-0 in the division, Seattle's DB's give up big plays each game - how can they stop the Cards' WR trio, and the team needs redemption after the close came on a national stage [Monday] night?

So that is 3 reasons for Seattle and 5 reasons for Arizona. There are more reasons for both teams, but the talent level on the Cards is just better than Seattle this year. Look at Sando's All-NFC West team, 10 guys from AZ and 7 from Seattle. How many guys from each team will make the Pro Bowl? The Cards will put up too many points for Seattle to do anything. Prediction: 34-21 Cards

Mike Sando: As I said heading into Seattle's game last week, it's tough to see the Seahawks scoring enough points without getting points from their defense. Hasselbeck is a bit of a wild card, but it's tough to expect him to be suddenly sharp and suddenly able to carry this offense.

madpunter88: Two competing theories in my head and I refuse to take a stand.

1) Had the Seahawks eked out that win against the Dolphins, then I would say they would be entering this match-up with the Cardinals with some momentum. But that loss could have been the nail on the proverbial coffin of this season. Having Hasselbeck back will help but this is clearly not a great team. The home field advantage is severely eroded --- not because of the quality of the fans but by the sheer reality of the situation. This is a statement game for the Cardinals and the motivation is on their side.

2) The Cardinals are still the Arizona Cardinals. They find ways to lose when it matters. This game is exactly the type of game that young, eager teams lose on the road when they get overconfident. Shades of "they are who we thought they were" (although, of course, they were at home for that and the team they lost to eventually played in the Super Bowl).

Mike Sando: Your reasoning for Seattle seemed conflicted. I'll take that as 1.5 reasons for the Cardinals to prevail. You hereby picked the Cardinals without knowing it.

pebjphx: In response to madpunter88's 2nd theory. [Monday] night against the 49ers was a statement game. Any other Cardinals team lets the 49ers into the end zone on that last play. Not this year. I feel that the Cardinals have proven this year that they can beat the teams that they should beat regardless of how poorly they play.

Monday night was a huge game for the cardinals because despite having 2 pick-6s getting called back and another pick getting called back, the Cardinals defense still held strong and our passing game was consistently strong throughout the game. I say the Cardinals will come out strong this coming week, revitalized by a big Monday night win over their strongest division opponent (who played probably their best game this year) on a national stage. I say they win by 2 TDs.

Mike Sando: I like your reasoning in general but will deduct objectivity points for saying "our" when referring to the Cardinals.

SeattleCard: Warner will pick apart the Hawks. This game won't even be close like the niners game was. Cards by 2 TD's.

Mike Sando: The Seahawks haven't lost by that much at home since -- well, since their last home game. You might be onto something.

pope_c_hawk: A week ago I would of said the Cards will win in force, but after Seattle "almost" winning on the road against Miami and the Cardinals "almost" losing at home, I'm thinking this will be a toss up. You just don't know what Seahawks defense will show up on Sunday. If it's the good one, there will be some pressure on Warner and the DB's will rise to the challenge against the great trio of Arizona receivers. Thing is, Warner has been on fire and is accurate even under pressure and those receivers can have magic hands. Seattle cannot win in a shootout so must find a way to slow down AZ's scoring and find a way to control the ball with a solid rushing attack.

Mike Sando: Watch to see how Seattle reacts if Warner completes passes in the face of the rush. That's a frustrating thing for a defense. Warner can't afford to sit back ther
e and pat the ball all day. Get rid of it and live for the next play.

rx7evol: A Cards loss in Seattle is possible, but I don't expect that to happen. Hasselbeck is one of the best QBs in the league and will improve their offense drastically, but Seattle doesn't have DBs at the same level as the 49ers. The only reason the 49ers have looked so bad this season is Mike Martz. The 49ers have a solid defense and they showed that last night for a good portion of the game.

The Seahawks defense isn't nearly as good, their WRs are not threatening, and the Cards are scoring 30 points per game. Many are still focused on the Cards road W-L record, but anyone who watched the Cards @ Redskins knows that the Cards handled the Skins and three drastically game changing referee calls kept the Skins in the game. Even Skins fans told me that they didn't understand what happened on, for example, the "Delay of Game" penalty against the Cards that negated a TD pass to Ben Patrick on a 4th and inches play because the clock still had a second on it when the ball was snapped.

Anyone who watched the Cowboys @ Cards game knows they would have won that game handily if the referees hadn't constantly bailed out the Cowboys. Let's move to [Monday] night and Antrel Rolle's interception TD. Really? Was it a neutral zone infraction against Wilson when his feet were behind the line in a two point stance? The NFL is showing its dirty underbelly in a very obvious fashion this season. If anyone wants to get the real scoop, watch every Cards game.

Mike Sando: Did you hear that, 49ers fans? You now have a good defense.

Centz: How many points did the niners score in the second half? Yep, 3. Despite the score and how the game literally came down to the final play in the final seconds, the Cards really dominated on the offensive end and the defense pretty much shut down the niners the entire second half, everything else aside. A divisional rival on the road will be a close game, but the squeaker win last night really changes nothing in terms of how far ahead the Cards are against everyone else in this division.

Mike Sando: The 49ers even scored a special-teams touchdown to start the game. That one doesn't count against the Cardinals' defense.

pendulum80: well, hasselbeck is playing. he's the Hawks best option at QB. that could get Seattle fired up. AZ comes in with a huge bullseye on their backs. The Cards need to go up early in the game to take the crowd out, or it will be another close divisional match-up.

Mike Sando: Logical enough.

stevemanman@yahoo.com: I think the Cardinals are wearing down. Warner has a bad history in Seattle and that will haunt him. This will be the start of the end for their season. Seattle will be hyped up to beat them. This reminds me of the past years that the NFC WEST teams were hyped up to beat Seattle. Now it's reversed for Seattle.

Mike Sando: I just question whether the Seahawks can hold down the Cardinals' offense for the full game. The Cardinals have the ability to score points in a hurry at any time, even if they fall behind 34-0 at the half. Seattle needs to put the hurt on Warner, in my view, and prevent him from functioning at a high level throughout.

andrew602az: The Cards are anything but wearing down. The Niners were hyped up [Monday] night. I'm sure Sando can tell you, since he has seen most of the Cards games, that they have not played that bad all season. I think because they were on a national stage and the Niners took an early lead throwing them off their game plan. Seattle is a tough place to play and the Cards do struggle on the road. It will be close and the game could go either way. I believe the runnig game will be key. Whoever can establish one will win the game.

Mike Sando: I've seen every snap of every Cardinals game. They played worse in the second quarter against the Jets. Giving up that kick-return touchdown to start the game changed the feel of the game. Josh Wilson has that ability for Seattle.

BilDrew: I read that last comment-- and I just don't see it. The Cards are still healthy (remarkably so, actually), and they had a close game with the niners because the niners were fired up. You can't be at your absolute best every week-- and when a team wins a game like that, it shows they are a good team who can find ways to win. Especially after San Fran scared the Cards so much, I just don't see Arizona slipping to Seattle. They'll be prepared and hungry.

Mike Sando: Every member of the Cardinals' 53-man roster reportedly participated in at least part of practice Wednesday. This is a healthy Arizona team.