Cardinals vs. Seahawks: 3 things you need to know
The league-leading Arizona Cardinals (9-1) square off against the Seattle Seahawks (6-4) on Sunday in a game with potential playoff implications.
The defending Super Bowl champions desperately need a win to keep pace in the NFC playoff race and are reeling from a 24-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday.
Here's what you need to know:
Seattle needs to re-establish vertical passing game
Since Seattle traded dynamic wide receiver Percy Harvin to the New York Jets, the Seahawks' vertical passing game has been non-existent. Russell Wilson hasn't taken many shots downfield, and when he has, it's been almost exclusively to Jermaine Kearse. The Seahawks drafted Paul Richardson, a Harvin replica, in the second round, but he hasn't taken advantage of his increased opportunities thus far.
Seattle can't afford to have a predictable passing game, especially against a potent Cardinals secondary that isn't afraid to send defensive backs into the box. The Cardinals have used rookie safety Deone Bucannon as a de facto linebacker and his range and closing speed will cause problems for Wilson, especially on third down where Seattle's quarterback often looks to scramble.
Arizona's secondary has a number of surefire tacklers including Bucannon and free safety Rashad Johnson, who are too fast for the Seahawks to rely on screens and horizontal routes. Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell will have to make the necessary adjustments to his scheme or it could be a long night for the Seahawks.
How will the Seahawks pressure Drew Stanton?
Many observers thought Arizona's season was essentially over when starting quarterback Carson Palmer went down with a season-ending ACL injury. In his absence, the Cardinals have rallied around Drew Stanton and maintain a league-best 9-1 record.
Stanton has been good enough, throwing five touchdowns and two interceptions this year, but he's far from unflappable. Detroit forced Stanton into a couple of egregious interceptions last Sunday, getting hands up in his face and limiting his field of vision.
Believe it or not, the Seahawks rank second last in the league with a paltry 13 sacks. At his best, Michael Bennett is one of the most disruptive pass-rushers in the league and Arizona's weakness is its offensive line. Stanton has excelled when he has time in the pocket – look no further than the series of long, downfield touchdowns to John Brown – and Seattle has to use its tremendous speed off the edge if it is to shut down the upstart Cardinals.
A battle of elite secondaries
The Seahawks and Cardinals own arguably the two best secondaries in the league and the back four could very well dictate the outcome of the game. Seattle's "Legion of Boom" hasn't played close to its historic level from last season, but the quartet of Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Byron Maxwell are as good as it gets when they're all healthy.
Arizona regularly rotates seven defensive backs and all of them have played well, particularly Rashad Johnson and Bucannon. Patrick Peterson will likely be assigned to Kearse, who has been the Seahawks' most dangerous deep threat this season, while Antonio Cromartie will have to match up against the shifty Doug Baldwin.
If there is a weakness to be exploited, it's Seattle's cornerbacks not named Sherman. Michael Floyd dominated Maxwell last season in Seattle and is a physical mismatch for the oft-forgetten member of Seattle's group. John Brown's game-breaking speed will be too much for Tharold Simon and Jeremy Lane, who both battled injuries prior to the season.
Seattle and Arizona are excellent at limiting the opposition's passing game, and both secondaries view themselves as elite units. Whichever group forces more turnovers will dictate the outcome.