Game story
In Week 17 of the 2011 NFL season on 2012-01-01, the Arizona Cardinals took care of business against the Seattle Seahawks, pulling away with a 23–20 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Skelton (Arizona Cardinals) paced the passing game, with -10.17 total EPA, and -4.6% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, L. Washington (Seattle Seahawks) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.61 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+23.3% win probability) landed in overtime when Arizona Cardinals changed the game: (10:02) 19-J.Skelton up the middle to SEA 37 for 2 yards (69-C.McDonald).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 20 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 7 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 L. Washington · Seattle Seahawks · Rushing · +5.61 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
- 2 T. Heap · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.50 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.25 EPA/play
- 3 R. Lockette · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +4.03 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.01 EPA/play
- 4 L. Fitzgerald · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.75 total EPA · 18 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 5 D. Baldwin · Seattle Seahawks · Receiving · +2.53 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.63 EPA/play
- 6 J. Skelton · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +2.10 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.05 EPA/play
- 7 M. Lynch · Seattle Seahawks · Rushing · +1.71 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
- 8 A. Roberts · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.43 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.43 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
L. Washington — SEA · Rushing
L. Washington posted the highest total EPA (+5.61) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Seattle Seahawks's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +0.80 EPA per play.
The signature play (-7.24 EPA) came from Arizona Cardinals: (10:13) 19-J.Skelton pass short right intended for 12-A.Roberts INTERCEPTED by 25-R.Sherman at ARI 45. 25-R.Sherman to ARI 12 for 33 yards (36-L.Stephens-Howling).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Arizona Cardinals — C. Taylor
- Seattle Seahawks — L. Washington
- Arizona Cardinals — T. Heap (J. Skelton pass)
- Seattle Seahawks — R. Lockette (T. Jackson pass)
Field goals
- Seattle Seahawks — S. Hauschka
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Feely
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Feely
- Seattle Seahawks — S. Hauschka
- Arizona Cardinals — J. Feely
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SEA 1 (Q1 48:07) — (3:07) 29-C.Taylor up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 2 (Q1 48:02) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Seattle Seahawks connected on a field goal from the ARI 25 (Q2 42:48) — (12:48) 4-S.Hauschka 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SEA 23 (Q2 33:33) — (3:33) 3-J.Feely 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 48 (Q3 26:11) — (11:11) 33-L.Washington left tackle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 25:56) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the SEA 13 (Q3 21:25) — (6:25) 19-J.Skelton pass short right to 86-T.Heap for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the SEA 2 (Q3 21:18) — 3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
The fourth quarter: Seattle Seahawks won the period 10–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SEA 25 (Q4 12:23) — (12:23) 3-J.Feely 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.; Seattle Seahawks connected on a field goal from the ARI 8 (Q4 9:10) — (9:10) 4-S.Hauschka 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan.; Seattle Seahawks found the end zone from the ARI 61 (Q4 7:56) — (7:56) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep left to 83-R.Lockette for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-V.Holliday].; Seattle Seahawks added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q4 7:47) — 4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan..
Overtime: Arizona Cardinals won the period 3–0. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the SEA 10 (OT 6:13) — (6:13) 3-J.Feely 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Arizona Cardinals (OT 10:02) — (10:02) 19-J.Skelton up the middle to SEA 37 for 2 yards (69-C.McDonald).
- Seattle Seahawks (Q4 7:56) — (7:56) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep left to 83-R.Lockette for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-V.Holliday].
- Arizona Cardinals (OT 12:41) — (12:41) (Shotgun) 19-J.Skelton pass short middle to 11-L.Fitzgerald to SEA 48 for 26 yards (31-K.Chancellor).
- Arizona Cardinals (OT 10:25) — (10:25) 36-L.Stephens-Howling up the middle to SEA 39 for no gain (91-C.Clemons; 31-K.Chancellor).
- Seattle Seahawks (Q3 26:11) — (11:11) 33-L.Washington left tackle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 10:13) — (10:13) 19-J.Skelton pass short right intended for 12-A.Roberts INTERCEPTED by 25-R.Sherman at ARI 45. 25-R.Sherman to ARI 12 for 33 yards (36-L.Stephens-Howling).
- Seattle Seahawks (Q2 40:18) — (10:18) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass short left intended for 86-Z.Miller INTERCEPTED by 31-R.Marshall at ARI 13. 31-R.Marshall ran ob at SEA 38 for 49 yards.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 42:10) — (12:10) 19-J.Skelton pass short left to 84-R.Housler to ARI 41 for 21 yards (29-E.Thomas). FUMBLES (29-E.Thomas), RECOVERED by SEA-50-K.Wright at 50. 50-K.Wright to ARI 20 for 30 yards (71-D.Colledge)
- Seattle Seahawks (Q4 7:56) — (7:56) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep left to 83-R.Lockette for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-V.Holliday].
Quarterback report card
J.Skelton led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Skelton (Arizona Cardinals) · 45 dropbacks · 48.9% completion · -4.6% CPOE · -0.23 EPA/play · -10.17 total EPA
- T.Jackson (Seattle Seahawks) · 43 dropbacks · 48.8% completion · +0.1% CPOE · -0.20 EPA/play · -8.57 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Seattle Seahawks | Arizona Cardinals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.099 | -0.097 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.0% | 43.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.199 | -0.226 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.147 | -0.050 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.097 | +0.099 |
| Defensive success rate | 56.4% | 61.0% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Seattle Seahawks -0.10, Arizona Cardinals -0.10) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Arizona Cardinals: 15 drives, -9.16 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Seattle Seahawks: 15 drives, -9.87 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Arizona Cardinals leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- L. Washington (Seattle Seahawks) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Skelton (ARI) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q1 48:07 · SEA 1 · Score 0-6
(3:07) 29-C.Taylor up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q1 48:02 · SEA 2 · Score 0-7
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Seattle Seahawks FG (+3) — Q2 42:48 · ARI 25 · Score 3-7
(12:48) 4-S.Hauschka 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 33:33 · SEA 23 · Score 3-10
(3:33) 3-J.Feely 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q3 26:11 · ARI 48 · Score 9-10
(11:11) 33-L.Washington left tackle for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q3 25:56 · ARI 2 · Score 10-10
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 21:25 · SEA 13 · Score 10-16
(6:25) 19-J.Skelton pass short right to 86-T.Heap for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 21:18 · SEA 2 · Score 10-17
3-J.Feely extra point is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 12:23 · SEA 25 · Score 10-20
(12:23) 3-J.Feely 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil. - Seattle Seahawks FG (+3) — Q4 9:10 · ARI 8 · Score 13-20
(9:10) 4-S.Hauschka 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan. - Seattle Seahawks TD (+6) — Q4 7:56 · ARI 61 · Score 19-20
(7:56) (Shotgun) 7-T.Jackson pass deep left to 83-R.Lockette for 61 yards, TOUCHDOWN [91-V.Holliday]. - Seattle Seahawks XP (+1) — Q4 7:47 · ARI 2 · Score 20-20
4-S.Hauschka extra point is GOOD, Center-49-C.Gresham, Holder-9-J.Ryan. - Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — OT 6:13 · SEA 10 · Score 20-23
(6:13) 3-J.Feely 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-82-M.Leach, Holder-9-D.Zastudil.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Seattle Seahawks 23-20 in Week 17, 2011 on 2012-01-01.
What was the final score of Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals?
The final score was Seattle Seahawks 20, Arizona Cardinals 23 (SEA 20-23 ARI) in Week 17, 2011 on 2012-01-01.
What was the score by quarter in Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals?
Q1: Seattle Seahawks 0, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q2: Seattle Seahawks 3, Arizona Cardinals 3; Q3: Seattle Seahawks 7, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q4: Seattle Seahawks 10, Arizona Cardinals 3; Q5: Seattle Seahawks 0, Arizona Cardinals 3; Final: Seattle Seahawks 20, Arizona Cardinals 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals?
Arizona Cardinals touchdown — C. Taylor (Q1 48:07) Seattle Seahawks touchdown — L. Washington (Q3 26:11) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — T. Heap (J. Skelton pass) (Q3 21:25) Seattle Seahawks touchdown — R. Lockette (T. Jackson pass) (Q4 7:56) Seattle Seahawks field goal — S. Hauschka (Q2 42:48, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — J. Feely (Q2 33:33, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — J. Feely (Q4 12:23, 3 pts) Seattle Seahawks field goal — S. Hauschka (Q4 9:10, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — J. Feely (OT 6:13, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals?
J. Skelton (Arizona Cardinals), 48.9% completion, -4.6% CPOE, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -10.17 total passing EPA. T. Jackson (Seattle Seahawks), 48.8% completion, +0.1% CPOE, -0.20 EPA per dropback, -8.57 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals?
L. Washington (Seattle Seahawks) led the game in total EPA with +5.61 on rushing plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.24 EPA): (10:13) 19-J.Skelton pass short right intended for 12-A.Roberts INTERCEPTED by 25-R.Sherman at ARI 45. 25-R.Sherman to ARI 12 for 33 yards (36-L.Stephens-Howling).. The biggest win-probability swing was +23.3%.
Was Seattle Seahawks vs Arizona Cardinals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Arizona Cardinals won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Seattle Seahawks
Entered 7-8 Now 7-9 L
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 7-8 Now 8-8 W
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