Seahawks at Cardinals: 5 takeaways from the terrible tie

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Oct 23, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws while being tackled by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Earl Thomas and Cliff Avril are defensive monsters

This shouldn’t be a surprise, since he’s an All-Pro and generally recognized as the NFL’s best safety. It needs to be said anyways: Earl Thomas is a beast on Seattle’s defense.

The guy dominates. He stands out among a defense full of standouts.

There was a play in the 1st half when he recognized earl that Cassius Marsh wasn’t going to be able to stay with David Johnson in coverage. Thomas slid over and ran with Johnson as if he was in man-coverage, and ultimately broke up the pass.

Thomas was always near the ball in this game. He was so close to a pick 6 in the second half.

Wow. #SEAvsAZ pic.twitter.com/KdK2n14p9K
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2016

And despite all of that, Thomas might not have even been Seattle’s best defender in this game. With Michael Bennett slowed slightly with a knee injury, Cliff Avril stepped up with as dominant of a performance as we’ve ever seen from him.

When it was all over, Avril had 2.5 sacks. It left like he had at least 10 though, as he made Carson Palmer feel uncomfortable all game.

When Earl Thomas and Cliff Avril play like this, Seattle’s defense is downright scary.

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