Seattle's 12th Man Helped the Seahawks Set a New Record and More NFC West News

For those of you who don't believe in the 12th man or label it as a myth that has no impact on the opposition, shame on you.

According to the Seattle Seahawks Twitter account, opposing offenses have amassed 121 false starts at CenturyLink Field since 2005.

That number is easily tops in the NFL over the last eight years. On Sunday Night Football this past season, Michele Tafoya ran a test on camera to see just how loud CenturyLink was from a players' perspective. If you haven't seen the video, it can be found here on the Seattle Seahawks website.

The countless false start and delay of game penalties should be enough evidence to sway those who don't think the noise favors the Seahawks at home, but if that's not enough, just go back to the Fox Sports telecast in 2005 when they measured the decibel level at 112.

A 112 decibel level is equivalent to someone using sandblasting equipment without ear protection—or a really, really loud rock concert. Imagine trying to call or switch a play with that high level of noise around you.

Teams average 2.36 false starts a game when playing in Seattle. There's no question the 12th man leads the way for the Seahawks. In fact, it's quite possible they wouldn't have had an undefeated home record in 2012 without their help.

Arizona

Adam Schein of NFL.com says the Arizona Cardinals will make the playoffs in 2013.

Cooper Allen of Bleacher Report grades the strength of every position as the Cardinals embark into the offseason.

San Francisco

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports on the fact the 49ers need a second option at the wide receiver position.

Thomas Walter of Bleacher Report gives us three reasons as to why Alex Smith should be a starter in the NFL.

Seattle

Tyler Brett of Rant Sports breaks down the top-five draft prospects the Seahawks should target in the first round.

Todd Pheifer of Bleacher Report analyzes and grades each position on the roster heading into free agency.

St. Louis

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes about Frank Bush's birthday surprise, which led to his hiring as the Rams' linebackers coach.

Jamal Collier of Bleacher Report says the Rams' signing of Titus Young is a low-risk, high-reward proposition.