The Arizona Cardinals entered week 12 with the best record in the NFL. Despite this accomplishment, they have felt largely disrespected by the NFL public. So much so, they entered their divisional game against the struggling Seattle Seahawks as underdogs, another week they would have to rally as the “nobody believes in us” unit.
With three of their last four wins coming against playoff-hopeful teams (Philadelphia, Dallas, Detroit), they looked to add Seattle to that list, and push forward to a division title and the respect they believe they deserve.
Their 19-3 loss in Seattle Sunday afternoon is a sobering defeat. The Seahawks, now two games behind the Cardinals in the NFC West division, possess the momentum to control their own destiny. Arizona, who must start back-up quarterback Drew Stanton for the remainder of the season, are put into a tricky position. With only five weeks left in the season, they have to muster all the swagger they can, or risk blowing the inside track for a top playoff seed.
As tension begins to mount week 12 for the six coveted playoff seeds in each conference, will the Cardinals falter or persevere? It will be fascinating to find out.
The New England Patriots defeated the Detroit Lions 34-9 and, with the help of Seattle, are neck-and-neck with Arizona for the best record in the league. Newly acquired running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for two scores against Detroit’s number one ranked rushing defense and Tom Brady threw for 349 yards. The win is New England’s seventh in a row.
The Patriots are looking forward to a possible Super Bowl matchup next week with the Green Bay Packers. After their 24-21 victory against the Minnesota Vikings, Aaron Rogers and the Packers have won seven of their last eight games, most have been in dominant fashion. They are a game behind Arizona for the best record in the NFC.
All scores from Sunday’s games:
Cleveland def. ATLANTA: 26-24
PHILADELPHIA def. Tennessee: 43-24
NEW ENGLAND def. Detroit: 34-9
Green Bay def. MINNESOTA: 24-21
INDIANAPOLIS def. Jacksonville: 23-3
Cincinnati def. HOUSTON: 22-13
Jets vs. BILLS: PPD (To be played tonight in Detroit)
CHICAGO def. Tampa Bay: 21-13
SEATTLE def. Arizona: 19-3
SAN DIEGO def. St. Louis: 27-24
DENVER def. Miami: 39-36
SAN FRANCISCO def. Washington: 17-13
Dallas def. NEW YORK GIANTS: 31-28
By Kyle Edwards
Tune into ESPN’s Monday Night Football tonight at 8:30 and watch the New Orleans Saints take on the Baltimore Ravens.
