It was an improbable task for the Cardinals, no question. Beating the Seahawks twice in a month, including in Seattle on a short week. Seizing a bit of control of the NFC West. Confirming that they were more than young upstarts, contenders in the conference.
But it was possible. And it was the most reliable part of the Cardinals that let them down: their offense.
The Cardinals, who led the league in rushing and had scored at least 30 points in five consecutive games, a franchise record, could neither run successfully nor score enough Thursday night in Seattle.