The way this works: Each offense will be pitted against the opposing defense and compared on an array of key statistical attributes based on their respective rank in the NFL. The tables that follow show the rank of each unit for each of these categories. 

 

Seahawks Offense vs Cardinals Defense

Arizona has marquee talent in their secondary. That has helped them create turnovers in the past, and has been made stronger this year by the addition of a healthy pass rush. Their 14 takeaways ranks third in the NFL, and they have had at least one in every game this season. They have held opposing quarterbacks to a 65.8 passer rating, which ranks second among NFL defenses.

Expect them to bring pressure, like always, with the hope that the young Seahawks offensive line will suffer communication breakdowns. Eight of their 18 sacks have come on 3rd and long (7+ yards). They will look to bottle up the Seahawks running game on early downs and force them into those 3rd and long situations.

While the rankings may not bear it out, the Cardinals run defense is probably their biggest advantage. Seattle has been dismal in that aspect of their offense, and Arizona has some disruptive talent along their line. A big part of how the Seahawks have dominated the Cardinals in Arizona the past few years was a healthy running game with Russell Wilson playing a key role. It seems unlikely that type of success will be repeated on Sunday.

Seahawks key advantages on offense

Wilson has tortured the Cardinals defense, especially in Arizona. He has had some of his most dominant statistical performances in that stadium. Seattle will need him to do it again. Despite the big name talent and the gaudy numbers for the Cardinals secondary, the Seahawks match up well in the passing game.

Seattle has the ability to play the quick passing game, which neutralizes the pass rush, and likes to exploit defenses down the field when they blitz. Pass protection has been one of the strengths of this offense so far, and the deep ball has been productive. Seattle took fewer shots downfield against the Falcons.

Look for them to get back to some of those deep throws in this game. Paul Richardson could be brought out of hiding to test some of the secondary depth. Jimmy Graham is an intriguing and unpredictable factor in this game.

Arizona ranks 1st in the NFL in defending the tight end, per Football Outsiders. The reality is they have not faced any quality players at that position. The Patriots were without Rob Gronkowski. Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Los Angeles, San Francisco and the Jets are bereft of any dangerous tight end talent. Graham will at least draw a lot of attention.

Tyler Lockett will once again be a major factor in how this game unfolds. He was still not himself this past week. The Seahawks ability to move the ball reliably through the air requires a third receiving threat beyond Graham and Baldwin. Lockett is that guy when healthy.

Luke Willson is out for the first time, which leaves additional opportunities for Brandon Williams and Nick Vannett. Neither player has figured prominently in the Seahawks offense so far, and could provide a chance to catch the Cardinals off-guard. It will also be interesting to see if the Seahawks decide to utilize their elephant package more that they unveiled this week, featuring backup center Joey Hunt at fullback, and 330 pound J’Marcus Webb entering as a tackle eligible.

Assume the running game will struggle, which means Wilson and pass protection become the keys to the offense. He has proven he can eviscerate this Cardinals defense on the road, so it is reasonable to expect a solid performance.

Cardinals Offense vs Seahawks Defense

This is usually the battle to watch in this series; a great Cardinals offense tests the best defense in the NFL. Seattle has held up their end of the bargain, but Arizona has scuffled a bit out of the gates. Most surprising is the source of their struggles has been Palmer, some of the talented receivers, and Bruce Arians’ high-flying passing game.

Seahawks key advantages on defense

The pass rush is going to be a headache for the Cardinals all night. Assume that Clark returns. The combination of Clark, Cassius Marsh, Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and timely blitzes from Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright is going to give the patchwork Cardinals line fits.

Palmer will have to be good about getting rid of the ball quickly and Arians will have to be willing to eschew the deep ball he loves so much. This is a game where Palmer could get pounded if the running game cannot get untracked. Seattle should have a huge advantage at the line of scrimmage both in the run game and in rushing the passer.

Arizona has self-destructed a couple of times this year when they had 5 turnovers two different times. Seattle has six turnovers all year. Palmer has not been as sharp throwing the ball, as evidenced by the 31st ranked completion rate in the NFL. It will only take a few off-target throws to create a huge advantage for Seattle. The Seahawks offense took advantage of some short fields created by turnovers against Atlanta. It could be more of the same here.

Special Teams

Seahawks kicking vs Cardinals returning

Arizona is missing their normal punter due to injury. His replacement has done a good job with pinning teams inside the 20, but there could be a chance for Seattle to gain some meaningful field position with Lockett in the punt game. Arizona is surprisingly benign in the punt return game. They have dynamic athletes, but is has not translated into good special teams play.