SEATTLE — The Seahawks improved to 4-2 on the season with a 20-10 win over divisional opponent, the Arizona Cardinals.
“It’s a game that you thought the Seahawks would have had a runaway victory, but it was tight for a long time,” Terry Hollimon said. “But it was good. We got a W.”
With DK Metcalf out, two rookie wide receivers stepped up. Jaxon Smith-Njigba got his first touchdown of his NFL career and had four receptions for 63 yards.
“I called it the coming out party for Jaxon,” Hollimon said. “He had his best game as a Seahawk for sure.”
Rookie receiver Jake Bobo ended the day with four catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, where he tiptoed the end zone.
“Great game for this guy who was an undrafted free agent,” Hollimon said. “People thought he was too slow, and all he does is make big plays.”
Kenneth Walker III rushed for 105 yards, recording his first 100 yard-plus rushing game of the season.
“For the Seahawks, that’s really been the recipe for success, having a strong running game, combined with a strong, stingy defense,” Hollimon said.
Quarterback Geno Smith threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns. He also had two turnovers in the second half, though, throwing an interception and fumbling a snap. Despite the turnovers, Hollimon feels Geno’s teammates still have complete faith in him.
“The thing about Geno Smith that I really like is when things like this happen, when obstacles occur and these mess ups happen, he shoulders all of the blame,” he said. “He’s not one of the guys that points his finger.”
The Seahawks’ defense had another great game and kept the Cardinals out of the end zone in the second half.
“The defense was flying all over the place,” Hollimon said. “They had that ‘bend but don’t break’ traditional Seahawk defense, and it was just impressive to watch.”
Hollimon’s player of the game is linebacker Jordyn Brooks. Just nine months after surgery to repair a torn ACL, he recorded nine tackles in the win.
“The energy he was showing was just incredible,” Hollimon said. “It was absolutely his best day as a Seahawk I think by far, which is saying a lot because he’s a great linebacker.”
The Seahawks will face a tough Browns defense on Sunday with top defensive end Myles Garrett.
“Geno Smith is going to have to be on his toes. The offensive line is going to have to make sure they take care of him.”
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Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.