Cardinals vs. Seahawks results: The key stats behind the 19-3 Arizona loss

We know who won the game and that it wasn't pretty, but let's take a look at the stats that mattered while figuring out what needs fixing.

Won/Loss 9-2

With the loss the Cardinals fall to 9-2 -- actually that doesn't sound all that bad does it? The three game lead is reduced to two games in the NFC West but the Cards still have a rematch to look forward to with the Seahawks -- at our place next time. It may not matter though if the Seahawks and 49ers manage to split their two matchups out of their next three games on the schedule. The Cardinals are now 2-1 within the division.

Points Scored 3-19

No shame in giving up 19 points, especially when the offense is of no help whatsoever -- and therein lies the problem. In the lowest offensive output in the Bruce Arians era, the Cardinals now average 21.8 points per game on offense (ranked 18th*) and 17.7 points per game on defense (2nd ranked). At +4.1 in points differential the Cardinals rank 11th in the league.

Total Net Yards 204-293

The Cardinals have been out-gained in total net yards 5 times this year but this counts as only the team's second loss -- not so bad really. The last three victories however have come when outperforming our opponent in this category and it always helps when you gain the most yards (we've never lost when we have).

First Downs 12-16

It figured to be a defensive battle and the low total of first downs certainly reflects that was the case (league average 20.4). Particularly disturbing was the Cardinals 3-12-25% third-down conversion rate.

Net Rushing Yards 64-124

The woes of the rushing game continue as the Cardinals rushed for 64 yards on 20 carries to fall to 78.4 yards per game and next to last in the National Football League (only the Raiders have rushed for less). Three consecutive games now the Cards have failed to rush for 100 yards while averaging 46 yards per game.

Seattle's output of 124 yards on the ground is the most given up this season by the Big Red defense -- though only yielding 51 yards to Seahawks running backs. The Cardinals fall to 5th place in defensive yards rushing allowed at 85.4 yards per game.

It really would be expecting too much to think the team can accomplish their goal without a significant improvement in the offensive running game, especially now that Carson Palmer is sidelined.

Net Passing Yards 140-169

With the league average at 240.5 yards per game, not exactly an aerial show Sunday. The Cardinals now rank 14th in the NFL in yards per game passing and 30th in pass percentage (224/384 58.3 percent) with way too many drops on the season, while the defense moves up to 25th ranked at 254.6 yards per game.

Sacks 7-3

Finally a category where the team excelled Sunday but unfortunately it didn't matter in the end. With 19 sacks given up by the offense, the Cardinals find themselves ranked 9th in protecting the quarterback (quite an improvement over recent years), while 25 defensive sacks for the season ranks 16th and continues to climb.

Time of possession 24:33-35:27

Not surprising given all the above.

Special Teams

Not a good day for the punt team -- not only having to take to the field seven times, but having a punt blocked with the remainder averaging 31.9 yards (27.3 net). The third blocked punt of the season for the Cardinals and all having a single common denominator -- whiffed blocks (matador style - ole!).

Now let's take a look player stats

Drew Stanton

Throwing for 14 completions in 26 attempts (53.8 percent) for 149 yards and one interception earned a quarterback rating of 54.8. On the bright side (if you will) the 23 yards rushing was one yard short of being the Cards' leading rusher.

Andre Ellington

Ten carries for 24 yards makes the math easy for yards per carry while the 5 catches for 39 yards averaged 7.8 yards per reception. With 648 yards rushing and 395 yards receiving (1043 all-purpose yards) Ellington remains the team's leading weapon for the season at 94.8 combined yards per game

John Brown

The Cardinals leader in pass reception yards with 61 on 3 catches with more than one spectacular sideline grab. For the season Brown has 37 receptions for 529 yards for 14.3 yards per reception and remains the teams leading scorer (non-kicker) with 5 touchdowns.

Calais Campbell

Without question the defensive player of the game for the Cardinals (in another solid defensive team effort) with 3 sacks, 4 tackles and 3 assists. In nine games played this season, Campbell now has 6 quarterback sacks.

Honorable Mention

Rashad Johnson (6 tackles - 3 assists), Deone Bucannon (3 tackles - 3 assists - sack), Kevin Minter (4 tackles - 1 assist - sack), Larry Foote (6 assists).

In the Cardinals worse offensive performance of the season the numbers don't lie.

* All team rankings were taken at press-time and are subject to change pending the results of the Ravens/Saints Monday night game.