1. Carlos Dunlap is the x-factor to Seattle’s Super Bowl aspirations
The story of the Seahawks this year has been that their offense is great, but the defense leaves a lot to be desired. Acquiring Jamal Adams was undoubtedly helpful, but the defense was in need of one more piece to complement Adams and Bobby Wagner. Enter Carlos Dunlap, acquired via trade after he wanted out of Cincinnati, to help shore up the Hawks’ lackluster pass rush.
Dunlap slid in right off the bat and made an impact almost immediately, making nine tackles and three sacks in two full games, including the game-sealing sack of Kyler Murray tonight. Now with another key piece on the defense and a soft remaining schedule, SEA has a legitimate shot to make it to February thanks in big part to a change of scenery for its newest addition.
2. Russell Wilson is the clear-cut MVP when he avoids mistakes
In each of the Seattle Seahawks’ three losses this season, Russell Wilson has committed a whopping 10 turnovers while only turning the ball over three times in SEA’s seven wins. The bottom line is simple: Russ is the Most Valuable Player in the league when they are unable to force turnovers out of him. Fortunately for Wilson, he and the ‘Hawks are now left with the easiest remaining schedule amongst all NFL teams. With that said, fans might be in store for a dominant second half campaign should the momentum from tonight’s win carry into next week and beyond with Russ’ MVP candidacy still very much alive.
3. This game significantly derailed Cards’ NFC West changes & Kyler’s MVP aspirations
The NFC West has been the talk of every NFL media outlet this year, and rightfully so. The Seahawks and Cardinals have given NFL fans plenty of exciting moments, from Russell Wilson’s MVP-like hot start to Kyler Murray’s rise to stardom including a spectacular game-ending Hail Mary to DeAndre Hopkins and much more. Additionally, these teams’ matchups against each other have been nothing short of phenomenal as both have come down to just a single play.
One play can make all the difference as it did tonight. With a one-score victory, Seattle now has sole possession of the division lead and the easiest remaining schedule left in the league. Barring any major injuries, it is very likely that Seattle will win the West. Murray and Wilson were both MVP candidates entering this matchup, but only one player can actually win the award. While Mahomes has the best odds to pull it off now, it certainly won’t come from a player who’s team couldn’t even win the division, which made this game even more important with Wilson taking a huge lead over Murray in the MVP race.