Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams: Preview, prediction

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:28 p.m. ET

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The Arizona Cardinals return home to take on the Los Angeles Rams for the first time since 1994.

The Arizona Cardinals return home as they host the NFC West leading Los Angeles Rams. The Rams (2-1) beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-32 in a shoot out last week. On the other hand, the Cardinals (1-2) are coming off a shocking 33-18 loss at Orchid Park against the Buffalo Bills.

History: Arizona and Los Angeles have faced each other 74 times in the regular season and once in the playoffs. The Cardinals playing 13 of these games as the St. Louis Cardinals and 26 as the Chicago Cardinals. The Cardinals have an all time 37-36-2 record against the Rams. The last win against the Rams came in Week 13 of last season in a game where the Cardinals held the Rams to 3 points in a 27-3 win.

What: Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

When: 1:25 PM Arizona Time (4:25 PM EST)

TV: Fox

Radio: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM

Keys to Victory:

Quarterback Carson Palmer had one of his worst games last week against the Bills. Palmer was sacked 5 times and threw four interceptions on concurrent drives in the loss. A home game against the overachieving Rams is a great opportunity for Palmer to have a bounce back game. If Palmer can get into a rhythm quickly, the Cardinals have a great chance of winning this game.

However, the key to getting Palmer in a rhythm is to keep upright. The Rams have a formidable pass rush featuring Pro Bowlers Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn. If the offensive line can hold their own against the Rams, Palmer can prove that last week was just an isolated performance.

Speaking of offensive line, right guard Evan Mathis was limited in practice this week and it is yet to be determined if he will suit up this week. If Mathis is unable to go, Earl Watford will once again start in his place. Watford struggled last week, and needs to get it together against a hungry Rams pass rush.

Aside from keeping Palmer on his feet, the offensive line will need to work to create gaps for running back David Johnson. Johnson only missed 3 snaps for Arizona last week and will continue to have a large role on the offense.

The biggest advantage the Cardinals offense has over the Rams defense is with their wide receivers. For a struggling offensive unit, it may be better for Palmer to target receivers on short and intermediate routes to help sustain drives.

Tight end Troy Niklas was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury. Ifeanyi Momah, a stand out from the 2015 preseason, was activated from the practice squad to take his place.

Sep 25, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) intercepted a pass by the Buffalo Bills during the first half at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals defense has been very undisciplined in its play. Many players are over committing on chase downs which has resulted in missed tackles and ultimately prolonged drives for the offense.

The inability to stop the run has been a big problem. Last week, Arizona’s defense surrendered 208 rushing yards to LeSean McCoy and the Buffalo offense. The linebackers will need to fill in the gaps and wrap up on tackles in the running game.

Rams running back Todd Gurley has been held to just 183 rushing yards this season and I’m sure the Cardinals don’t want a bounce back game from him on their watch. Above all, the Cardinals best chance of winning is to force Case Keenum to use his arm to lead the Rams down the field.

Surprisingly, the secondary has steadily improved within the last two weeks. Defenses continue to not throw in Patrick Peterson’s direction. Marcus Cooper has defied expectations and has emerged as the starter opposite Peterson.

As Tyrann Mathieu works to get back to his former self, Tony Jefferson has filled in as the nickel back. Jefferson has been Arizona’s most productive defender and leads the team with 30 tackles.

On the special teams side, long snapper Kameron Canaday was cut after a shaky start to his rookie season. In his place the Cardinals signed former Denver Broncos snapper Aaron Brewer. Punter Ryan Quigley, signed earlier this week, will take over for an injured Drew Butler.

Odds:

Arizona -8

O/U 43

Prediction:

There is no reason to press the panic on the Cardinals season. While the team has been inconsistent on both sides of the ball, Bruce Arians will be sure to get his team back on right track. A divisional home game is a great place to retake the reins on the season.

Arizona Cardinals 23 St. Louis Rams 16

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