Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20: Kyler Murray’s Tough 2025 Loss

Jason Myers’ 52-yard field goal sliced through the Arizona air as the clock hit zero, sealing a 23-20 victory for the Seattle Seahawks over the Arizona Cardinals . This thrilling Thursday Night Football clash in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season showcased a tale of two halves: Seattle’s dominance for three quarters and a furious, late-game rally led by Kyler Murray . While the Seahawks improved to 3-1, the Cardinals, despite Murray’s grit, fell to 2-2, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if the offense had started faster.

The game was a rollercoaster, especially for Murray. He shook off a sluggish start and two early interceptions to nearly engineer a stunning overtime-forcing comeback. However, his efforts ultimately fell short, marking the Cardinals’ second consecutive last-second loss and extending Seattle’s winning streak over their division rival to eight games. Let’s dive into the key moments and performances that defined this nail-biting NFC West battle.

Game Recap: A Dramatic Finish in the Desert

The Seahawks seemed poised for a comfortable victory for most of the night. They controlled the tempo, building leads of 14-3 at halftime and 20-6 midway through the fourth quarter. However, the Cardinals, demonstrating notable resilience, stormed back with two late touchdown drives.

First, Kyler Murray connected with star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. on a 16-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 20-13 with 5:50 left. After Seattle’s Jason Myers missed a 53-yard field goal attempt, Murray orchestrated another scoring drive, finding running back Emari Demercado for a 7-yard touchdown with just 33 seconds remaining to tie the game at 20-20.

Yet, the Seahawks had one last chance. A penalty on the ensuing kickoff gave Seattle excellent field position at their own 40-yard line. Quarterback Sam Darnold immediately hit receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a crucial 22-yard gain, setting up Myers for a redemption kick. The veteran kicker calmly nailed the 52-yard field goal as time expired, handing the Seahawks a hard-fought division win.

Sam Darnold’s Composure Steadies the Seahawks

While the finish was dramatic, the Seahawks’ victory was anchored by the efficient and poised performance of quarterback Sam Darnold. In his first prime-time game as a Seahawk, Darnold completed 18 of 26 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown, with zero interceptions. His ability to manage the game and make key throws kept the Seattle offense moving, even when primary target Jaxon Smith-Njigba was bottled up for three quarters.

Darnold’s most significant contribution came on the final drive. With only 33 seconds left, he demonstrated veteran calmness. He wisely threw a ball away to preserve the team’s final timeout before delivering a perfect back-shoulder pass to Smith-Njigba to set up the game-winning kick. This drive marked his first game-winning drive for Seattle, earning praise from analysts and teammates alike. His chemistry with Smith-Njigba, which produced 79 yards on four catches—all in the second half—proved to be a decisive factor .

Kyler Murray’s Night of Frustration and Fight

Kyler Murray’s performance was a story of perseverance. For the first three quarters, the Seattle defense harassed him relentlessly, sacking him six times and forcing two interceptions . One interception came on a bobbled pass by Marvin Harrison Jr., but the stats still landed on Murray’s line. He finished the game 27-of-41 for 200 yards, two touchdowns, and the two picks.

However, Murray showcased the dual-threat ability and fight that make him such a dynamic player. He led the Cardinals in rushing with 41 yards on five carries, including a key 29-yard scramble in the fourth quarter. His leadership during the late comeback attempt was impressive, as he willed his team back into a game that seemed lost.

Despite the fight, the performance highlighted ongoing inconsistencies. The offense struggled to find a rhythm for most of the game, and the run game outside of Murray’s scrambles was largely ineffective. As Murray himself stated after the game, the team’s slow starts are a significant concern: “We’ve got to show up and be ready to go. It’s just taking too long… But it’s just too late”.

Kyler Murray’s 2025 Season Snapshot (Through Week 4)

Key Factors in the Seahawks’ Victory

Several elements combined to secure the road win for Seattle:

• Defensive Dominance, Until It Wasn’t: For three quarters, the Seahawks’ defensive front was overwhelming. Led by Uchenna Nwosu and Leonard Williams, they generated constant pressure on Kyler Murray without needing to blitz excessively, recording six sacks. The defense was the key reason Seattle built a 14-point lead, though they will be disappointed with the late breakdown.
• Emergence of Supporting Cast: With Jaxon Smith-Njigba limited early, other players stepped up. Tight ends AJ Barner and rookie Elijah Arroyo became reliable targets for Darnold. Barner caught a touchdown, while Arroyo had two grabs for 44 yards.
• Winning the Turnover Battle: The Seahawks forced two turnovers while committing none on offense (despite a fumble after an interception). This advantage in possession and field position was critical in a tight game.

What This Loss Means for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals

The loss drops the Cardinals to last place in the highly competitive NFC West with a 2-2 record. For Kyler Murray, the game encapsulated both his immense potential and his team’s current frustrations. The offense has yet to play a complete game this season.

A significant concern is the lack of a consistent ground game beyond Murray’s scrambles, a problem magnified by the season-ending injury to top running back James Conner. The offensive line’s struggles in protection (six sacks allowed) are also a major issue that needs addressing. On a positive note, the late-game surge by Marvin Harrison Jr., who finished with six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, could be a catalyst for his confidence moving forward.

Looking Ahead for Both Teams

The Seahawks now return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 5th, riding a wave of confidence with a 3-1 record. The Cardinals, after two heartbreaking losses, have an extended break to regroup before hosting the Tennessee Titans on October 5th. This will be another key test for Kyler Murray as he looks to find consistency and lead his team back to .500.

Conclusion

The Seahawks’ victory over the Cardinals was a classic, hard-fought divisional battle. While Jason Myers’ leg provided the final points, the win was built on Sam Darnold’s efficiency and a defensive onslaught that stifled Kyler Murray for most of the game. Murray’s courageous fourth-quarter rally provided excitement but also underscored the Cardinals’ urgent need to solve their early-game offensive woes. For now, Seattle continues its dominance in the rivalry, while Arizona is left to search for answers during the long flight home.

What are your thoughts on the game? Do you think Kyler Murray and the Cardinals can turn their season around? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was Kyler Murray’s final stat line against the Seahawks?

Kyler Murray completed 27 of 41 pass attempts for 200 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also led the Cardinals in rushing with 41 yards on five carries.

2. How many times have the Seahawks beaten the Cardinals in a row?

With this victory, the Seattle Seahawks have now won eight consecutive games against the Arizona Cardinals, extending a streak of dominance in the rivalry.

3. Who scored the touchdowns for the Cardinals in the fourth-quarter comeback?

Kyler Murray threw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter: a 16-yard strike to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and a 7-yard pass to running back Emari Demercado that tied the game with 33 seconds left.

4. How did Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold perform?

Sam Darnold played an efficient game, completing 18 of 26 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. He also led the game-winning drive in the final seconds to set up the field goal.

5. What is the Cardinals’ record after this loss?

The loss to the Seahawks dropped the Arizona Cardinals to a 2-2 record for the 2025 season, placing them fourth in the NFC West division.

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