The Seahawks head to the desert this weekend for their first NFC West clash of the season. The Cardinals have undergone some significant change since these teams last met, bringing in a new head coach, Kliff Kingsbury, and a new quarterback, 2019 No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray. To find out more about this week's opponent, we reached out to AZCardinals.com senior writer Darren Urban with five questions about the Cardinals:
The early win-loss record notwithstanding, how has team responded to the coaching change overall, and what has Kliff Kingsbury brought in his first year as an NFL head coach?
Urban: "I think yes, the team has responded well. Kliff didn't have a long career in the NFL but he did play, and I think it's given him a chance to understand the pulse of the team and the NFL in general. He's got a blunt style, which guys like – meetings aren't long-winded. He says his part and he's done. He's very much a football guy – he loves to be at the facility, he loves to create plays. He also has a style and swag, if you will, that I think the players appreciate. He will have a learning curve coming from college, and long-term, he knows he still has to prove that what he does offensively will work in the pros. But he's smart and he understands he doesn't know everything, which will help him as he evolves."
What are the early reviews on Kyler Murray, and how has he handled all the spotlight and pressure that comes with being the No. 1 overall pick?
Urban: "Second part first – the spotlight and pressure don't really bother him. Part of that is because he's been starting and playing in front of huge crowds since he was a high school sophomore in Texas. He's been raised to be in the spotlight. I think he felt like he should've been the top pick all the time. So that won't faze him. Now, how will he handle it if the losses pile up? He's having to learn that now. He wants to win. He clearly burns to win. That's all he's ever done in football. But you can see the talent and the ability on the field. I don't really have a doubt he can become a great QB. Doesn't mean he will for sure, but the foundation is there."
The numbers show that Larry Fitzgerald is still getting it done on the field, but what do his experience and leadership mean for a young team in transition?
Urban: "It's crucial, especially in a receivers room that doesn't have much experience or resume. Fitz has morphed over the years into a solid leader, especially in his own room. But don't be mistaken – him getting it done on the field remains his most important function. Christian Kirk is primed to have a big year, but Fitz is Murray's security blanket and he's off to a great start after a down year in last year's mess of an offense."
The Cardinals have allowed 16 sacks in three games. Is that a product of concerning offensive line play, a quarterback who extends plays sometimes leading to sacks (something Seahawks fans have seen at times), or of playing from behind and becoming one-dimensional?
Urban: "Yes.
"I mean, of course it's all of the above. I actually think the OL has been fine when the Cardinals are in games and doing offensively what they want and not what the score dictates. It's going to get much rougher if you start passing every down. And as Seahawks fans have learned with Russell Wilson, as you mentioned, there is a tradeoff with a QB who can keep a broken play alive – sometimes it'll end badly. But it's a tradeoff you'll take. I think early on, with Murray as a rookie, there might be more bad than say, five years down the road, but you have to allow the kid to learn on the job."
How big of a blow has it been for Arizona's defense to open the season minus starting corners Patrick Peterson and Robert Alford? Is that the main culprit for the big numbers put up by Arizona's opponents thus far or is it more complicated than that?
Urban: "If you take one of the best cornerbacks in the game off the field, it's going to hurt big time. If you also take off the guy who was supposed to be No. 2 and then was supposed to be your temp No. 1, well, that's a serious gut punch. It has impacted them. No way to think otherwise. But the defense has issues otherwise too. Actually, they were OK in the first two weeks – the stats weren't awesome, but they kept the team in the game and, in my opinion, did what they are supposed to. I don't know if there is the personnel to be a great defense at this point. But they absolutely can be better than they were against the Panthers. They are hoping that performance was an outlier."
The Seahawks and the Cardinals will meet this Sunday at State Farm Stadium for the fourth game of the 2019 season. Take a look back at photos from past games between the two teams.
Seattle Seahawks running back Curt Warner (28) takes a handoff during an NFL game against the St. Louis Cardinals on November 13, 1983. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 33-28. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Phoenix Cardinals quarterback Gary Hogeboom can't find a receiver due to heavy defensive pressure from Seattle Seahawks (92) David Wyman and (72) Joe Nash during action in their pre-season game, Aug. 12, 1989 in Tempe, Arizona. The Seahawks proved too much for the Cardinals after the game went into overtime and lost 16-10. (AP Photo/Chad Surmick)
Running back Ron Moore (30) of the Phoenix Cardinals is held to a one yard gain as he is tackled by Cortez Kennedy (96) of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of their NFL game in Seattle, Washington, Dec. 19, 1993. Watching the play is Joe Wolf (68) of the Cardinals. Phoenix beat Seattle in overtime, 30-27. (AP Photo/Bill Chan)
Nose tackle Cortez Kennedy (96) of the Seattle Seahawks lines up against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 29, 1995 in Phoenix. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Trey Junkin (83) runs a pass pattern during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals in Tempe, Oct. 29, 1995. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 20-14 at Sun Devil Stadium. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Arizona Cardinals' Chris Gedney (84) takes in a pass while in the grasp of Seattle Seahawks' Fred Thomas (22) and goes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Sept. 13, 1998 in Seattle. The play went 23 yards but wasn't enough as Seattle won the game 33-14. (AP Photo/Jay Drowns)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) calls a play Nov. 10, 2002 at Sun Devil Stadium. in Tempe, Az. The Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27 - 6. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Arizona Cardinals running back Marcel Shipp (31) is surrounded by Seattle Seahawks defenders November 10, 2002 at Sun Devils Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 27 - 6. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer greets Arizona Cardinals cornerback Duane Starks following their game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, in the team's new stadium in Seattle. Arizona won, 24-13. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks defenders Rocky Bernard, left, Chike Okeafor (56) and Rashad Moore (95) celebrate Okeafor's sacking of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown (on ground) in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander changes directions on Arizona Cardinals' Ifeanyi Ohalete during the second quarter in Seattle Sunday Dec. 26, 2004. Alexander completed the day scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 145 yards in the 24-21 win for the Seahawks. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Ken Hamlin, left, stops Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith after a short gain in the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks' Chike Okeafor (56) strips the ball away from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) is hurried as Arizona Cardinals Chike Okeafor (56) and Darnell Dockett (90) pursue during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks' Andre Dyson, rear, pulls down Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald after a short gain during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Grant Wistrom (98) celebrates with Kelly Herndon (31) after tackling Arizona Cardinals runningback J.J. Arrington (28) for a 2-yard loss during the second half in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005. Seattle won 37-12. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin, left, breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin with Helly Herdon watching from the right during the first quarter in Seattle Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Julian Peterson, left, hurries Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart (7) during the second quarter of their football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) picks up a short gain against the Arizona Cardinals during their football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 in Glendale, Ariz. Alexander ran for 76 yards in the Cardinals 27-21 win. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Seattle Seahawks' Michael Boulware (28) celebrates his interception with teammate Kelly Herndon of a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner during the first quarter of a football game in Seattle, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2006. (AP Photo//John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Maurice Morris (20) races ahead of Arizona Cardinals' Karlos Dansby on a third quarter 27 yard pass reception, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 21-10. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Deion Branch, right, catches a 17-yard touchdown as Arizona Cardinals' Oliver Celestin defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander tries to sidestep Arizona Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace during the first half of their football game in Seattle, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007. The Seahawks won 42-21. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Nate Burleson, center, splits Arizona Cardinals defenders Terrence Holt (42) and Eric Green (25) for a touchdown catch in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals' Matt Leinart, center, gets a pass off as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks' Patrick Kerney, left, and Darryl Tapp in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 23-20. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks' Maurice Morris (20) gets tackled by Arizona Cardinals' Chike Okeafor (56) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 34-21. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Seneca Wallace (15) throws as Arizona Cardinals' Bertrand Berry (92) pursues during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks' Baraka Atkins (91) pursues Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner before Warner completed a pass in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) in action against the Seattle Seahawks Brian Russell (25) on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck, top, tries to guide his teammates before a play against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 31-20. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks running back Justin Forsett (20) celebrates his touchdown as Arizona Cardinals' Ali Highsmith (95) and Antrel Rolle (21) arrive late to defend in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks' Roy Lewis (34) celebrates with teammates against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Arizona Cardinals' Kurt Warner pitches to Beanie Wells (26) as Seattle Seahawks' Brandon Mebane (92) looks on during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch takes off down the sideline during a game on October 24, 2010. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-10.
Seattle Seahawks defenders stop an Arizona Cardinals rush during a game on October 24, 2010. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-10.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams (17) pulls in a pass over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Greg Toler during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors, File)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck looks to throw down the field during a game on November 14, 2010. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 36-18.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson takes off down the field during a game on September 25, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 13-10.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice attempts to make a diving catch on the sideline during a game on September 25, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 13-10.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Cameron Morrah catches a pass down the field during a game on January 1, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 23-20.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch prepares to sack Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Skelton during a game on January 1, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 23-20.
Seattle Seahawks defenders Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, and K.J. Wright celebrate an Arizona Cardinals turnover during a game on September 9, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 20-16.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice pulls down a reception during a game on September 9, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 20-16.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner runs back an Arizona Cardinals turnover during a game on December 9, 2012. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 58-0.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch makes a diving touchdown during a game on December 9, 2012. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 58-0.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel tackles Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer during a game on October 17, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 34-22.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch delivers a stiff arm to an Arizona Cardinals defender during a game on October 17, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 34-22.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith returns an Arizona turnover during a game on December 22, 2013. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 17-10.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin makes a catch near the Seattle sideline during a game on December 22, 2013. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 17-10.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson prepares to hand the ball off to running back Marshawn Lynch during a game on November 23, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 19-3.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Cooper Helfet dives into the end zone for a touchdown during a game on November 23, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 19-3.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson pulls in a touchdown reception during a game on December 21, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner takes back a Cardinals turnover for a touchdown during a game on November 15, 2015. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 39-32.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin pulls in a reception over Arizona defenders during a game on November 15, 2015. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 39-32.
Seattle Seahawks wider receiver Tyler Lockett pulls in a reception during a game on January 3, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 36-6.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman breaks up a pass during a game on January 3, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 36-6.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril celebrates on the field during a game on October 23, 2016. The Seahawks tied with the Cardinals 6-6.
Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael bursts through an open lane and takes off down the field during a game on October 23, 2016. The Seahawks tied with the Cardinals 6-6.
Seattle Seahawks wider receiver Jermaine Kearse high points the football and pulls down a touchdown reception during a game on December 24, 2016. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson takes a bow after grabbing a touchdown reception during a game on December 24, 2016. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson sets up to pass during a game on November 9, 2017. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-16.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson embraces Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald following a game on November 9, 2017. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-16.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver finds a gap in the kickoff coverage and takes off down the field during a game on December 31, 2017. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 26-24.
Seattle Seahawks defenders wrap up Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton during a game on December 31, 2017. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 26-24.
Seattle Seahawks running back Mike Davis dives over a Arizona Cardinals defender for a touchdown during a game on September 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 20-17.
Seattle Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski all smiles after hitting a 54 yard game winning field goal against Arizona during a game on September 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 20-17.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner eyes down Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen prior to the snap of the ball during a game on December 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 27-24.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett strikes a pose in the end zone after scoring a touchdown during a game on December 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 27-24.
