http://forums.azcardinals.com/showthread.php?68548-Rams-v-Cards-Strategy-Sunday
Rams v. Cards Strategy Sunday
http://www.stltoday.com/news/multime...eb82eac8a.html
Ram's strategy versus Cardinals on Sunday is discussed by local STL sports media at the above link. I heard a whisper of optimism. Even after an earlier W versus SEA and last week's squeaker W against SF, STL still respects Arizona's powerful run Defense and ability to overcome obstacles on Offense. No doubt about that! Yet, the Rams are big and physical and are not resigned to a loss on Sunday.
The team supposedly will try to establish their 3-man running game in order to set up play action, inject a few gimmicks, use as much game time as possible, and still be hanging around in the 4th quarter. Ram's have nothing to lose and will pull out all stops to somehow get us off balance and steal another W from an NFCW opponent. A win will help the Ram's FO know its on the right track with Fischer for next year. A Loss means nothing to STL but a higher 1st draft choice.
Prediction: (Easy call) BA and TB will set the tone immediately after the coin toss. Fortune favors boldness. Psychologically, I don't see how Bruce and Todd can call the game any other way. Also, given how much this Division game means to Arizona, I don't see our D giving up any offensive TDs Sunday. Every Cardinal player seems healthier and all seem to be on the same page. Maybe we can get ahead on points far enough in the 4th quarter to see some of our backups shine.
Go Cards! Win by 20 or more Sunday.
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I was concerned about this game but the more I look into it the better I feel. STL according to PFF has the 26th worst DVOA in offense, and ranked 30th in Defense.....
Bruce Arians said that the last 3 weeks (this week included) have been the best he has ever seen in his 40 years of coaching. If you look at our red zone efficiency leading up to those 3 weeks it was ranked dead last. During those 3 weeks it is ranked 2nd, bringing us up 10 spots over the course of the season.
If our offense can continue to improve, then our defense should improve too. Yes the Rams are big and physical. However, they are down a lot more players than we are, using a backup qb, and have the lesser coaches all while playing on the road. I'd have to say we win this by 10 at this point. Our team is disciplined.
The Rams had zero offense last week, and played a very dysfunctional 49ers team. Yes, they have proven they can win any week. But I think this is their tallest task to date, and they are going to come up a little short... When we play them in STL it may be a different story though.
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The only aspect of the Rams that concerns me is their potential for getting to the QB. I expect it to happen, but have no fear of Palmer getting skittish or rattled by it. Just hope he stays healthy. Other than that I think our running game, passing game, defense and coaching are superior. Plus we are at home.
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Their offense doesn't concern me all that much. It's their D, particularly the D-line that scares the Bejeezus out of me. I don't like the thought that they got to krapernick 8 times last week.
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I read a lot over on the 49ers forums because.... Their tears taste the best. They actually broke down the sacks frame by frame... A lot of really educated posters over there that you find if you sift through the bad ones. (there are plenty)
Kap had opportunities, wide open receivers. The 8 sacks is an anomaly. Sure they might get 2-3 at most against us... But like us they were lacking in the sack department over the season... Kap just kept making bad decisions and looking at the rush instead of the receivers. His offense constantly put him in bad situations with multiple untimely penalties.
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No doubt the Rams are their worst enemy…..but dude…..really? Also disagree with your "lesser coaches" assessment. Rams still have the youngest team in the NFL which means inexperience not bad coaches.
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Thats classic! Kaepernick was done in by a 4 man pass rush and on obvious passing downs his WRs were covered well. He had to throw the ball away numerous times to avoid sacks as well. CP had better have his running shoes on.
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No doubt I respect your team, and Jeff is an aggressive coach which I love. You have to play to win and he gets that. I think your defensive line has the depth that all teams envy. Players going down, and having players step in and really perform... However, DVOA which I put some faith into shows that the Rams are 26th on Offense and 30th on Defense.
In saying that I think the Defense is finally gelling, and I think they will continue to improve as they have been. But the 49ers have one of the worst offenses in the league statistically. IN PPG, red zone percentage, etc. Their offensive line hasn't been impressive, and Kap has been the third best or worst QB in the division. I believe our offense is more dynamic....
The Rams have only scored 149 points this year. 18.62 PPG while giving up 220 points, 31.43 PPG.... As compared to the Cardinals at 192 points (+43) 24 points per game. While only allowing 156 points (+64 points) at 19.5ppg for a differential of 107 net points better... That's huge! Austin Davis can't put up the same performance he did last week and expect to win.
13/24 105yds 54.2% 1TD 2 INT 44.6 rating....
I understand the teams excitement, but the Cardinals like the Rams are suppose to be good every year for as long as I can remember. As long as we are not mathmatically eliminated I always believe we are going to make it. Like I said, I think your team has a bright future but unfortunately today is not the future. That team is stacked for years to come.. You guys had some really unfortunate things happen with injuries that in a way have derailed the season to this point..... But this Sunday I dont think they win... Maybe when we play you at home... But I just dont see it this Sunday.
This game that we all love is based on such thin margins. The difference between a great team, and a losing team is minimal because every player is talented. One of the best 53 in the world perhaps at their position. It's a game of inches, and your Super Bowl against Tennessee showed that! I just think, the small advantages we have give us that inch we need this week to win the game. It is nothing against the Rams, I like them. In fact the only team I hate in the division is the 49ers. I just think there is too much going on with injuries, and an inexperienced QB...
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yeah sure. dont compare the Cards to San Fran. If we lose to you all Sunday at home, divisional game or not, we don't deserve anything. straight up.
it seems to me y'all only play well inside the division and lay a goose egg outside. have to change that attitude. besides, everyone is bragging on how you all sacked kaep 8 times, yet kaep has been sacked the most in the league and was tied for 6th i believe in getting sacked coming into that game.
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Schotty and Fisher are terrible. They really are. ARI has a huge edge over them in that area.
The best thing that happened is STL beat SF, that prevents the team overlooking them. We are at Home, this is a perfect scenario to bag our 8th Win.
Coaching - Us
QB - Us
RB - Us
WR - Us
DL - I'll be generous - Them
LB - Tie
CB - Us
K - Us
P - Them
Us losing means we played down to the Rams, and I just don't see this team doing that, right now.
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You gave K to us?? Really? they got Zuerlein, who I believe has an atomic leg.
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I agreed but San Fran to me, overlooked the Rams looking toward the Saints. I'm glad the Rams won because of what you said. They have our attention. The Cards know we missed the playoffs by 1 game last year and this game will tell us a lot about us. Divisional games are important. Our D will have to force turnovers though to give our O some short field.
It's tough driving the ball on the Rams especially if they get pressure. But San Fran's offense been anemic all year long so I wouldn't beat my chest about holding them to 10 points. I love our 2nd half adjustments. A 7 point or more lead at the half, ill breathe or any lead in the game.
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We can handle their offense, so I am not worried about that. But we need better performance out of our offense, Rams D not to be taken lightly they have been tough over the last two years, regardless of what the stats say. They have a problem that we have had - lack of offense puts pressure on their D. We have to cut down on penalties, missed blocks, and improve pass protection.
Two things can help us against a strong pass rush on passing downs, better Oline pass protection and TE production to allow quick passes. We haven't had good TE production this year, Carlson seems to be the weak link. I would not be surprised to see BA go after a TE in early rounds next year unless the TE situation improves.
I don't know how Niklas fits in but he seems to be built for blocking rather than catching. If we can slow down or contain their pass rush our receiving corps and Palmer will give them all they can handle, providing we don't start dropping the ball.
Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams scouting report
Kent Somers, azcentral sports
Kent Somers previews and predicts Sunday's NFC West game between the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. The 2:25 p.m. game is on FOX.
Up next for Arizona Cardinals:
Take a look at the St. Louis Rams
Cardinals first and foremost
Don't let the Rams take a significant lead early. It's true that the Rams have blown those leads this year, and also that the Cardinals are a come-from-behind team. But at some point, falling behind early is going to cost the Cardinals a game. They would be much better served to play well early, take a lead and win comfortably for a change. The Rams (3-5) are more dangerous than their record indicates.
Cardinals key statistic
45.4 – That's the percent of time the Cardinals have converted on third-down this season. It's risen steadily over the last four games, from 40 percent. In two of their last three games, the Cardinals have converted on third down 60 percent of the time. Last week, all four of their touchdowns came on third down.
Cardinals key player
LT Jared Veldheer - He will be matched up against defensive end Robert Quinn for most of the game. Quinn has six sacks against Arizona over the last two years, and has six sacks in his last three games this season. Veldheer has played well this season but he will be tested Sunday.
Cardinals injury report
RB Stepfan Taylor (calf), out; LB Lorenzo Alexander (knee), linebacker Marcus Benard (ill), T Bobbie Massie (knee/ankle), RB Andre Ellington (foot), LB Larry Foote (back).
Rams first and foremost
Pass the ball efficiently. The Cardinals run defense is stout so it's doubtful if the Rams are going to gain much in that area. That puts pressure on quarterback Austin Davis and the passing game to be efficient. Davis has to stay in the pocket longer than he has lately and be willing to check down. The Cardinals have trouble pressuring quarterbacks, so unless that changes, Davis needs to exercise patience.
Rams key statistic
13 - That's the number of points the Rams have scored in third quarters this season. It's a reflection of big leads the Rams have blown. The Cardinals tend to play better in the second half than the first, so it could be a case of clashing trends.
Rams key player
Defensive end Robert Quinn - He could do a considerable amount of damage to the Cardinals offense, which was inconsistent through the first half of the season. Quinn has six sacks in the last three games. If he gets to Carson Palmer consistently, the Cardinals will be in trouble.
Rams injury report
LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar (toe), CBE.J. Gaines (knee), TE Cory Harkey (knee), DE William Hayes (fibula), CB Janoris Jenkins (knee), S Rodney McLeod (knee)k, CB Marcus Roberson (ankle), S Cody Davis (concussion).
Cardinals on offense
Their pass protection, which has held up all year, will face its stiffest test in weeks. The Rams had only one sack in the first five games, but that's changed over the past month. Defensive end Robert Quinn has six in the past three games, so left tackle Jared Veldheer will be challenged. Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is a disruptive force in the middle, and the inside of the Cardinals offensive line is coming off an average performance.
If the Cardinals can protect Palmer, he should be able to find receivers. Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (knee) isn't expected to play, so rookie E.J. Gaines will get another start. The Rams have given up some easy touchdowns through the air this season. To say the Cardinals are struggling to catch the ball is an understatement. They had five drops last week.
Edge: Cardinals
Rams on offense
Quarterback Austin Davis, a third teamer to start the season, has returned to Earth recently after an impressive start to the season. Playing good defenses had something to do that. The Rams played Seattle, Kansas City and San Francisco the past three weeks. Davis is tough and throws a nice deep ball. He's been skittish in the pocket of late, so the Cardinals need to put pressure on him. The Rams' receiving corps took a hit with the season-ending injury to Brian Quick.
Pressuring quarterbacks has not been the Cardinals' strength this season, however. They have only eight sacks. The Rams lost left tackle Jake Long for the season so rookie Greg Robinson, the second overall pick, has moved into that spot. Against an inexperienced quarterback, the Cardinals should be able to force turnovers. That's a category they have won nearly week this year.
Edge: Cardinals
Special teams
The Rams are solid in all phases. Kicker Greg Zuerlein has s strong leg and is a threat from 60 yards in. Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey are dangerous returners, and punter Johnny Hekker has a net average of 41.1 yards. Cardinals kicker Chandler Catanzaro hasn't missed a field-goal try in 16 attempts, and his kickoffs have been deep. The Cardinals' biggest weakness now is covering punts. Opponents have had decent returns over the past three weeks.
Edge: Rams.
Bottom line
The Cardinals (7-1) know nothing comes easy against the Rams (3-5), as tough and as nasty as any team in the NFL. The key will be controlling the Rams early in the game. The Rams have a tendency to jump out to big leads, only to lose them, or barely hang on. If the Cardinals continue with slow starts, it's going to cost them a game they should win. This could be it.
Prediction: Cardinals 23, Rams 17.
