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Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals: To-Do Checklist for Week 12

By Eric Robinson

Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) catches the winning touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers with 34 seconds left in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Packers 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (12) catches the winning touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers with 34 seconds left in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Packers 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Power Of The Sack 

Possibly the biggest issue for the Cardinals this season, Palmer has been harassed and commonly seen on his back, running for his life, and occasionally, a combination of both.

So far this season, the Cardinals offensive line has given up the third most sacks (31) and the second most QB hits with 79. The Cardinals also have four games in which Palmer has been sacked four or more times, including allowing eight sacks in week eight against the Panthers. In the last four games for Palmer, he has been sacked 18 times compared to just nine for Ryan and the Falcons offensive line.

The Cardinals started a left tackle in John Wetzel who made his first career start on the road last week against the Vikings and a guard in Mike Iupati who is dealing with lower leg injuries.

Of course this is music to the ears of team sack leader Vic Beasley and his 9.5 sacks on the season. Beasley is tied for fourth in the league in total sacks with Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller. It seems as if the edge rusher out of Clemson is turning that corner and blossoming as a player.

Other contributions this season such as defensive end Adrian Clayborn providing 4.5 sacks as well as veteran Dwight Freeney with three sacks have been key parts of a Falcons pass rush that has totaled 22 sacks this season after only posting 19 in all of 2015.

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