Behind Enemy Lines: Cardinals-Rams preview with Rams Wire
The Arizona Cardinals face the Los Angeles Rams Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium in a matchup with playoff implications. It is the first of two games they will play against each other in the final five weeks of the season.
To help preview the game, Rams Wire managing editor Cameron DaSilva answers some questions.
Check out what he has to say about the Rams and the game tomorrow.
Rams defense
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The Rams defense has been such a surprise this year to me. What changed to take them to the next level?
It’s mostly thanks to Brandon Staley’s scheme. They certainly didn’t upgrade talent-wise this offseason on that side of the ball after losing Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler Jr., so a lot of this comes down to the system. They’re playing a lot of zone coverage to limit big plays, which has also allowed the DBs to make plays on the ball. Aaron Donald has been a game-wrecker as usual, and Jalen Ramsey has stepped his game up in a number of roles, be it shadowing No. 1 receivers or playing the slot. The inside linebackers are a weak spot, so that’s a group the Cardinals can exploit.
Jared Goff and the offense
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The offense is as effective as ever but doesn't feel the same as a couple of years ago. What is different and why is it working? Can Jared Goff be consistent enough to lead this team to where they want to go?
It’s slowed down a bit in recent weeks, but the offense was really humming to start the season. Goff has struggled with turnovers in his last four games, giving the ball away 10 times. What has worked is the ground game, as the Rams rank ninth in rushing yards this season. Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson have been the most productive runners for L.A. and they should be getting the bulk of the carries in the backfield. The Rams have really thrived on play action this season, which is helped by the successful rushing attack, and is also helping Goff immensely. He has the talent to lead the Rams to the playoffs, but consistency and careless turnovers have been the biggest issue for him.
Rams' streak against the Cardinals
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Rams keep up their dominance of the Cardinals? If the Rams win, what has to happen. If the Cardinals are to win, how does it go down?
I think they can, though we both know this is a much better Cardinals team than the ones LA beat up on in recent years. For the Rams to win, they have to contain Kyler Murray. It’s as simple as that. They have the cornerbacks to match up with and limit Arizona’s wideouts, but keeping Murray in the pocket and preventing big plays on the ground will be critical. Arizona can beat the Rams by exploiting their weakness at inside linebacker, whether that’s by throwing the ball to running backs or utilizing wide runs to stretch the linebackers east and west.
Matchups
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Which matchups do you think most favor the Rams? Which ones most favor the Cardinals?
I think the Rams have the edge along their defensive front. Donald is going to impact the game as a pass rusher and against the run by slipping into the backfield. Leonard Floyd has played well recently, too, as have Michael Brockers and A’Shawn Robinson. Where Arizona has an edge is running the ball against L.A.‘s linebackers. The Cardinals can get creative on the ground and take advantage of the Rams’ linebacker weakness, especially with Micah Kiser out.
Prediction
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Who wins and why?
I think the Rams will win a close one, continuing their strong play against Arizona. With a normal week of practice again after canceling practice last Friday, the Rams will be better prepared than they were for the 49ers. And with Jalen Ramsey fully healthy, they should be in good shape against Arizona’s wide receiving corps. Rams 27, Cardinals 20 Listen to the latest from Cards Wire's Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify. Latest show:
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