In an exciting NFC West matchup, the top-dog Arizona Cardinals (9-1) will travel to CenturyLink Field to take on the Seattle Seahawks (6-4).
For the Cardinals, this Week 12 contest marks the second recent game without starting quarterback Carson Palmer (IR, torn ACL) and the second consecutive start for Drew Stanton. The veteran had a mixed outing last week against Detroit, earning a -3.6 overall grade but threw two touchdowns and averaged 9.6 Yards per Attempt (fourth best among passers in Week 11). On the season, Stanton has a 60.9 yards in the air percentage, which ranks inside the Top 10 among signal-callers, while accumulating a 79.72 PFF Quarterback Rating.
The Cardinal’s quarterback has a tall task ahead of him facing off against the Legion of Boom. Cornerback Richard Sherman has a strong +4.7 coverage grade while ranking third at his position with 15.2 Coverage Snaps per Reception. Meanwhile, safety Earl Thomas has only allowed six receptions while in primary coverage in 2014. His 56.7 Coverage Snaps per Reception is second-best at his position and is a menace to opposing offenses all over the field. Stanton could have trouble solving this stingy Seahawks secondary this weekend.
Here are three more notable numbers for each side:
Arizona Cardinals
Jared Veldheer – has only allowed one sack this season and ranks 13th among offensive tackles with a 96.4 Pass Blocking Efficiency.
Calais Campbell – his +22.0 overall grade places him third among 3-4 ends while earning the top Run Stop Percentage at his position (13.5%).
Antonio Cromartie – leads all cornerbacks with 16.7 Coverage Snaps per Reception in 2014.
Seattle Seahawks
Marshawn Lynch – Lynch currently ranks first among all running backs with 62 forced missed tackles and an 82.4 Elusive Rating.
Michael Bennett – his 45 total pressures places him second among 4-3 defensive ends while earning an 11.5 Pass Rushing Productivity.
Russell Wilson – has been dangerous with his legs this season, leading all quarterbacks with a +5.8 rushing grade.
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