Seattle didn't even need its offense to win this game as the Seahawks dominated the Arizona Cardinals, 58-0.
Seattle's defense had four interceptions in the game, including one returned for a touchdown and recovered four fumbles, two of which came on muffed punts and one of those was returned for a touchdown.
"The turnovers were the story. You got to do well when you get eight," said Seattle coach Pete Carroll.
However, the team also got a huge day from Marshawn Lynch as he carried the ball 11 times for 128 yards and three touchdowns in the most lopsided win in team history. He now has 1,266 yards on the season, a new career-high.
Russell Wilson didn't need to do too much as the defense and Lynch took care of most of the game, but he did throw a touchdown on 7-of-13 attempts for 148 yards with an interception for the Seahawks (8-5), who kept pace in the chase for the NFC West as the team remains 1 1/2-games behind the 49ers, who defeated Miami on Sunday.
Seattle set a franchise record in points for a single game and largest shutout win.
The quarterback carousel for Arizona didn't get any better as John Skelton, who was named the starter for a third different time this season earlier in the week, was picked off four times and also lost a fumble. He managed just 74 yards on 11-of-22 attempts before getting pulled for rookie Ryan Lindley, who was benched after last week's poor performance against the Jets.
Since starting the season with four straight wins, the Cardinals (4-9) have been in a free-fall as they now have lost an NFL-leading nine straight games.
"Let me start apologizing to our fans. It was embarrassing," said Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt. "We have to get better. No excuses. We have to play better, we have to do better. Where we are is having lost a lot in a row."
Arizona started the game with the ball and got across midfield, but a pass to Larry Fitzgerald was ripped out of the receivers hands before he was able to control the ball and Bobby Wagner took it down to the Arizona 14.
The Cardinals' defense held firm, though, and Seattle had to turn to Steven Hauschka for a 31-yard field goal and a 3-0 lead with 9:59 to play in the first quarter.
After holding the Cardinals, the Seahawks started at their own 15 and converted a 3rd-and-11 on a 17-yard catch by Sidney Rice. The team methodically marched down the field and from the Arizona 20, Lynch took a handoff around the left end for a 10-0 lead with 2:04 to play in the first.
A three-and-out from Arizona saw Seattle get it back at its own 27 and the second play saw Wilson and Anthony McCoy get together for 67 yards on the final play of the first quarter. The next snap saw Lynch bull in from four yards out for a 17-0 lead.
Skelton fumbled on a sack on Arizona's next possession, but Seattle was unable to take advantage and had to punt.
Following a false start call on the Cardinals, Skelton flung a pass down the right sideline, but Richard Sherman stepped in front of the ball and took it 19 yards for a 24-0 lead.
After another punt from the Cardinals, the Seahawks had to punt, but Patrick Peterson muffed the kick. Seattle tried to fall on the ball and it popped into the air. Fortunately it went right into the hands of Malcolm Smith in the end zone for a 31-0 game.
Arizona again punted, but Wilson was picked off and Arizona found itself with the ball just past midfield. Skelton, though was again intercepted, but Seattle had to punt.
However, for the second time, Peterson muffed the ball and Seattle recovered at the Arizona 24. Two plays later, Wilson found Zach Miller over the middle on a 24-yard score as the Seahawks took a 38-0 lead into the break.
Lynch scored on a 33-yard run less than four minutes into the second half while Hauschka added field goals of 28 and 32 yards later in the third.
Leon Washington's 3-yard touchdown run with 2:32 to play put the emphasis on the rout.
Game Notes
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