However, along with the highs came the lows. Let's take a look at what went right and what went wrong against the Seahawks in Week 10.
The Good
1) Carson Palmer - The veteran QB had his down moments, specifically in the 4th quarter when he fumbled the ball twice, leading to two Seattle touchdowns. But ultimately, Palmer once again came through for the team, putting up an MVP-worthy performance to secure the win. Palmer ended the day 29-48 for 363 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 interception. Don't look now, but that puts Palmer only one TD behind the league leader (Tom Brady). This performance proves one thing: The team rides and dies with Carson Palmer.
2) Michael Floyd - Floyd may have been sidelined with an injury earlier in the season, but since coming back, he has contributed in a big way. The fourth year receiver out of Notre Dame scored two TDs in the 1st half, extending his scoring streak to four games. He ended the day with 7 receptions for 113 yards too. The strong chemistry between Palmer and Floyd has been evident since last season, and it only stands to grow as the season progresses.
3) The other receivers - Larry Fitzgerald led the team with 10 receptions for 130 yards. TE Jermaine Gresham capped off an 83 yard drive late in the 4th quarter with a 14 yard TD reception to regain the lead for the Cardinals. And Jaron Brown came up HUGE for the Cardinals in the 4th quarter when he saved a tipped pass from being intercepted. So in news that is surprising to nobody, the Cardinals have a strong receiving corps.
4) The 1st half Defense - At halftime, the only major fault of the defense had been allowing a Seahawks drive late in the 2nd quarter end in a Will Tukuafu rushing TD. But during the rest of that half, the defense had been phenomenal, and had had its way with Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and the rest of that ever so dangerous Seattle offense. They even forced a safety against Wilson. Unfortunately, they were beaten by the Seahawks' 2nd half adjustments, but credit is given where credit is due.
5) Response to adversity - One of my biggest criticisms of this team has been their inability to rebound from changes in the game-pace. After the Seahawks came swinging out the gates immediately following halftime, I was ready to chalk this up as another frustrating loss, just like the Rams and Steelers games. However, the team surprised me. Palmer was able to keep his cool and lead the offense on two scoring drives in the 4th quarter. The defense was able to step up after allowing two Seattle TDs and contain Wilson late in the game. The O-line followed up the two Palmer fumbles by handling the blitz better. And above all, they got the win.
6) Kicking/Punting - K Chandler Catanzaro was perfect on the day, nailing all four of his extra point attempts and all three of his FG attempts. And to top it off, P Drew Butler followed up his decent performance against the Browns with another solid outing.
7) QB Drew Stanton's Reaction to Andre Ellington's touchdown - Priceless.
The Bad
1) The Offensive Line - Specifically, T Bobby Massie and G Jonathan Cooper had major problems on Sunday. Their inability to protect Palmer were major contributors in the two turnovers late in the 4th quarter that almost handed the game to the Seahawks. Perhaps the line's collapse was due to the injury to Mike Iupati in the 2nd quarter, but nevertheless, Palmer is almost 36 years old. They have to protect him better.
2) The run game - With the exception of a beautiful 48 yard TD run by Andre Ellington late in the 4th quarter that sealed the deal, the run game was largely absent. Yes, I know the Seahawks defense is one to be reckoned with. However, at one point in the 4th quarter, the Cardinals running backs were averaging a dismal 2.3 yards per carry. Palmer will need more assistance from his backs going into future games.
3) Jerraud Powers - The Cardinals #2 CB was burned on Sunday, giving up a couple game-changing plays to various Seahawks receivers. His first major gaffe was getting beat by WR Paul Richardson, allowing Richardson to haul in a 40 yard bomb from Wilson that set up the Tukufua TD. The second one was getting beat by WR Doug Baldwin, who took in a pass from Wilson for a 32 yard score. Let's hope this was just a down day for Powers.
4) Penalties - The Cardinals were definitely assisted by the Seahawks 14 penalties. But they did themselves no favors by committing 9 of their own. This puts Arizona at #7 among average penalties committed per game. Penalties are always going to occur during games, but being league leaders in this category is not excusable.
The Ugly
1) Turnovers - Ah, the Cardinals 2015 nemesis makes another appearance. On Sunday, the Cardinals inability to protect the ball (a problem that has plagued them all season) almost cost the team the game. Palmer was intercepted in the 1st quarter, and fumbled twice in the 4th quarter. The late-game fumbles directly led to two Seahawks TDs. Arizona is now tied for 6th in the league in total turnovers with 17. This is a problem, and the team will need to address it.
2) Mike Iupati's Injury - A scary scene unfolded in the 2nd quarter, when G Iupati left the game in an amulance following a helmet to helmet collision. Fortunately, CT and MRI scans came back normal, and Iupati was able to fly back to Arizona with the team. However, it was still unnerving to see him strapped to a stretcher. And in other injury news, DE Corey Redding left with an ankle injury, and Floyd left with a hamstring injury in the 4th quarter.
Comment below with any other positives and/or negatives you gathered from the game.