Seahawks, Cardinals a nice present for all of us

A GRIP ON SPORTS

If you have a lot to get done today, what with Christmas just around the corner, make sure you get it done in the morning or early afternoon. After all, you are going to want to sit down this evening and watch the NFL, right? Read on.

••••••••••

• Specifically, the Seahawks’ NFC West showdown at the Arizona Cardinals. It’s the prime time game tonight, which is appropriate. The Cardinals have shown all season they are ready for prime time, the Hawks, after a few early season bobbles, have reached that level recently. We’re expecting the type of taut, slobber-knocker football game that used to be all the rage in the NFL but has become a bit passé in these days of pass-first offenses. But we don’t always get what we expect in this league. Oftentimes, when a shootout seems justified, the teams hunker down and beat on each other. But an out-of-the-blue, back-and-forth game tonight just doesn’t seem to be in the cards, pun intended. Neither team has all their offensive weapons at their disposal, for Arizona it’s in the backfield, Seattle up front. Both teams have stout defenses that have been performing at a high level recently. And both feature a do-what-ever-it-takes-to-win mentality. So settle in for one of “those” games. You know, a physical, hard-hitting, down-to-the-wire contest. It seems like it would be an appropriate present for football fans. Though a win, no matter how it comes about, would be even more appreciated by the Hawk faithful.

•••

• WSU: The Washington State women picked up their eighth win of the season yesterday, defeating Montana State 82-61 at Beasley. Jacob Thorpe was there and has this story . … The men are back in action today against San Jose State, a program reeling from suspensions of players and an assistant coach. … Jacob has a morning post with links.

• Gonzaga: The Battle in Seattle turned out to be actually just that last night as the Zags had all they could handle with Cal Poly. Jim Meehan say courtside at Key Arena – we saw him a couple times on TV – and has this game story . He’ll also be back this morning with a day-after post. … Bud Withers covered the game for the Times. … The Gonzaga women (pictured) started their game with Southern Utah a bit lackadaisical. Then they got going and won easily, 70-51. Tom Clouse has the game story . … Tyler Haws was supposed to be out another week with a sprained ankle. Instead he played last night , scored 24 points and led BYU to a 79-77 home win over Stanford.

• EWU: The Eagles are off until Monday but Weber State seems to be getting its act back together. The Wildcats defeated Utah Valley 73-61.

• Idaho: The Vandal women rolled to another win yesterday.

• Chiefs: Though the WHL’s Christmas break is upon us, Chris Derrick takes a look at where the Chiefs stand thus far this season.

• Preps: Post Falls won its first Tri-State title yesterday at North Idaho College. Greg Lee was there and has this story . … We also can pass along boys and girls roundups from basketball action.

• Seahawks: There is a lot at stake this evening in Arizona . But none is more important than the Hawks’ chance to complete a turnaround from earlier this season. With six games remaining, they looked to be out of it. Now they can clinch a playoff berth and move ever-closer to home-field advantage. … The defense, which is now locked up for a while , gets a big chunk of the credit for that. … With both teams so defensive-centric, each possession tonight will be important. … The referee will have his hands full with two teams that are building a rivalry . … And, of course, there is a lot to watch . … The Hawks made some late roster changes . … Is Pete Carroll the NFL’s coach of the year? … Russell Wilson has proved to be durable.

• Mariners: How much did the M’s spend on payroll last season? A bit more than most local companies, at least per employee.

•••

• Enjoy your last Sunday before Christmas. It seems like a good day to take stock. Or enjoy a bit of a calm before the storm. Until later …