The Los Angeles Rams claimed the NFC West final week with a second-half turnaround towards the New York Jets and now return house to tackle the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.
Though the Seattle Seahawks gained towards the Chicago Bears on Thursday Evening Soccer, the Rams can nonetheless win the division as a result of energy of victory and a win over the Cardinals. Arizona was eradicated from playoff rivalry final week after shedding to the Carolina Panthers, however will nonetheless be motivated to beat a divisional opponent in Los Angeles.
The final time the 2 groups met, the Cardinals gained in a blowout however that was when the Rams had been injured and nonetheless getting new faces acclimated. Now, the 2 groups are in fully totally different spots with L.A. having lots left to show.
Divisional matchups all the time carry just a little additional juice due to groups’ familiarity with one another, however it is a recreation the Rams completely will need to have.
Rams Offense vs. Cardinals Protection
The month of December has been good for the Rams offense as they’ve discovered their groove operating the soccer. Luckily, it is a nice signal for L.A. as Arizona’s rush protection is subpar that means Kyren Williams ought to be capable of gash them on the bottom. Williams has dealt with nearly all of touches within the backfield, however head coach Sean McVay ought to be capable of discover snaps for Blake Corum.
Nonetheless, the Cardinals move rush can also be missing some pressure so Matthew Stafford ought to have time within the pocket to throw downfield to the likes of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. There are additionally ancillary items like Demarcus Robinson and even Tyler Higbee who ought to be capable of discover area towards a weak Arizona secondary.
Rams Protection vs. Cardinals Offense
On the flip aspect, Kyler Murray stays a risk as he’s obtained the power to throw or move on any given play. Murray’s scrambling presents a problem to the Rams who’ve been inclined to giving up chunk performs to operating quarterbacks in order that needs to be an space of focus.
Nonetheless, the line of defense that includes Jared Verse and Braden Fiske ought to be capable of generate strain and make factor uncomfortable for Murray. James Connor is listed as questionable however is prone to play so slowing him down is one other strategy to hold the Cardinals offense slowed down.
Rams Keys to Victory
1. Restrict harm on the bottom
As talked about earlier, Murray and Connor operating is the engine for the Arizona offense so maintaining them contained will arrange the protection nicely.
2. Deal with the soccer
It is a key each week, however the Rams must be conscientious about caring for the soccer towards a Cardinals workforce that struggles to maneuver the chains.
