Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals struggle in 17-13 loss to Rams

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Arizona Cardinals beaten and bruised in loss to NFC West division for Los Angeles Rams

The Arizona Cardinals of 2016 are not the same team that went to the NFC Championship Game in 2015. Struggles on defense, offense, and special teams have now sent the team to a 1-3 start after losing to the Los Angeles Rams 17-13 on Sunday.

The Cardinals offense had trouble moving the ball at times. Dropped balls, turnovers, and now a rash of injuries leave the near future very much in doubt.

Quarterback Carson Palmer, who went 23-36 for 288 yards with one touchdown and one interception, was injured late in the game. He went down with a concussion and is now in the concussion protocol. He also fumbled once.

The Cardinals also lost running back Chris Johnson, safety Tyvon Branch, and tight end Darren Fells to injury. Even running back David Johnson was injured but he returned. When one falls it seems like they all do.

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Take nothing away from the Rams. They came in with a decent game plan. They tried hard though to keep the Cardinals in the game with dumb penalties that negated a couple of big plays.

For the most part today though, the loss is pinned on the Cardinals ineffectiveness. They struggled before they lost players. They were shut out in the first quarter for the fourth straight game to start the season.

On defense, the Cardinals miscues lead to Rams points. Cornerback Patrick Peterson had a holding call go against him that would have stopped a Rams drive. The Rams took advantage with a 65-yard touchdown pass thereafter.

So where do the Cardinals go from here? Well to start, they go to San Francisco on the short week. They play in Santa Clara on Thursday Night Football. The biggest questions will be who will be able to answer the call? More to come this week.

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