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Cardinals' defense has kept top opposing playmakers in check, face new challenge at Seahawks

The Cardinals might have the fewest sacks in the NFL (six), but their defense has managed to corral some of the NFL’s best offensive playmakers through the first five weeks of the season.

Outside of Week 1, when Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce gashed them for eight catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, they’ve shut down top talents such as the Raiders’ Davante Adams (two receptions for 12 yards), the Rams’ Cooper Kupp (four receptions for 44 yards), the Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey (eight rushes for 27 yards) and the Eagles’ A.J. Brown (three receptions for 32 yards).

“I think that’s your game plan in this league: You have to stop their best players first,” Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “if you don’t, you probably won’t win. Kelce went off on us and we didn’t win. He made big-time, third-down plays and big-time plays in the red zone. So stopping their best players is always our first task, game plan-wise.

“Playing these good guys and having Murph (cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.) match those guys from time to time has helped us also. He’s playing real well right now, Murph. But that’s always our first priority, is stopping their best guy.”

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 02: Byron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Arizona Cardinals defends a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 02: Byron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Arizona Cardinals defends a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Murphy, however, showed up on Arizona's injury report on Friday. He's listed as questionable with a groin issue.

Arizona’s next challenge is trying to slow down the Seahawks’ top two wide receivers, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Lockett, who is dealing with a hamstring issue this week, leads the team with 32 receptions for 406 yards. Metcalf ranks second with 28 catches for 372 yards. They’ve combined for four touchdowns and 10 pass plays of 20 yards or longer upon teaming with Seattle’s new starting quarterback, Geno Smith.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) holds the football as wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) reacts after Metcalf scored a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) holds the football as wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) reacts after Metcalf scored a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

If the Cardinals hope to even their record at 3-3 when they meet the Seahawks on Sunday at Lumen Field, they’ll need a similar effort from their defense, especially the secondary.

“It’s been huge,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said after practice on Friday. “Byron, I can’t say enough about what he’s done. In whatever role we’ve asked him to do, he’s played at a high level. I’ve said it all along, I think defensively VJ and his staff, schematically, have been able to make some adjustments at halftime to try and take away some things and it’s been pretty impressive.

“As a group, they’re flying around and playing with great effort. Haven’t got home to the quarterback like we’d like to just yet, but they’re doing a really nice job on that side of the ball.”

Scouting report: Cardinals-Seahawks: Battle for bottom of NFC West

Injury update

Kingsbury said the Cardinals will be without running backs James Conner (ribs) and Darrel Williams (sprained MCL) for Sunday’s game and added that center Rodney Hudson (knee) will likely be a game-day decision.

“He did some limited stuff today (in practice), but we’ve got to see how he feels Sunday when we move him around.”

With a game against the Saints looming Thursday night in Glendale, Kingsbury was asked if that could impact the decision on whether Hudson plays or not on Sunday.

“No. If he can go, he’ll go,” Kingsbury said.

Kingsbury said he’s hopeful Conner will be able to play Thursday against New Orleans, but was less optimistic about Williams, who might not be back until Week 8 at the Vikings.

Also ruled out Sunday against the Seahawks are kicker Matt Prater (hip) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen Jr. (hamstring). In addition to Murphy Jr. and Hudson, defensive lineman Rashard Lawrence (hand) and offensive lineman Max Garcia (toe) are listed as questionable.

For the Seahawks, receiver Penny Hart (hamstring) is out and guard Gabe Jackson (knee/hip) and nose tackle Al Woods (knee) are doubtful. Five players are listed as questionable – safety Joey Blount (calf), cornerback Artie Burns (groin), receivers Dee Eskridge (illness) and Marquise Goodwin (knee/back) and defensive end Shelby Harris (hip).

Read more: A homecoming of sorts for Cardinals with Seattle ties

Ready to rumble

Aug 21, 2022; Glendale, AZ, United States; Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30) breaks downfield away from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zakoby McClain (49) at State Farm Stadium.
Aug 21, 2022; Glendale, AZ, United States; Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram (30) breaks downfield away from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zakoby McClain (49) at State Farm Stadium.

With Conner and Williams sidelined, rookie running back Keaontay Ingram will see his first NFL action on Sunday and Kingsbury said running back Corey Clement, who was signed to the practice squad earlier this week, will be elevated to the active roster against the Seahawks.

Both players said they are ready to go.

“The NFL is too hard just sitting on the sidelines,” Ingram, 22, told reporters Thursday. “I want to contribute. I want to be a guy. The respect, earn that from my peers and guys that have been around in the league for 12, 13 years. That’ll mean the most to me and that’s what I’m excited to do to start my journey.

“I feel very comfortable. I’m confident in myself. I feel like the guys that are surrounding me are confident in me, too, so I think it’s about that time to get ready to roll now.”

Eagles' Corey Clement (30) drives through the Dallas defense Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eagles' Corey Clement (30) drives through the Dallas defense Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, at Lincoln Financial Field.

For Clement, 27, the wait has been longer. The six-year pro, who entered the league in 2017 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Wisconsin, hasn’t played a regular-season game since last season with the Cowboys. He spent his first four seasons with the Eagles.

“It’s been a lot of downtime, just working out really,” Clement said Friday. “I was just wondering when I’d get the next call and make sure I stay ready for whatever workout comes to me. Luckily, (the Cardinals) called and I was there.”

Clement said there’s been a lot to digest with the playbook in such a short amount of time, but added, “It’s nothing I can’t do. I’m really excited, I’ve got a lot of energy and you’ll see it Sunday.”

Have an opinion on the Arizona Cardinals? Reach McManaman at bob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic.com and follow him on Twitter @azbobbymac. Listen to him live on Fox Sports 910-AM every Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 on Calling All Sports with Roc and Manuch. 

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals' defense has kept top opposing playmakers in check thus far