Rams-Cardinals Media Coverage Previews

[RamBill]

ESPN's Scott Van Pelt talks to Jeff Ma about the line for the Rams-Cardinals game on Sunday.

Watch Rams-Cards Discussion

 

[RamBill]

NFL analysts Pete Prisco, Pat Kirwan and Brady Quinn break down the keys for the St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals ahead of Sunday’s Week 4 divisional showdown in Glendale. They all pick the Cardinals.

Watch Rams-Cardinals Preview

 

[RamBill]

Week 4 preview: Rams at Cardinals
By
The Sports Xchange

http://www.footballinsiders.com/week-4-preview-rams-at-cardinals/

October 1, 2015


St. Louis Rams (1-2) at Arizona Cardinals (3-0)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz. – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Tony Siragusa

*Keys to the game: QB Carson Palmer and WR Larry Fitzgerald are trying to prove 30-somethings are superstars, too, combining for 333 yards, five touchdowns and sparking the Cardinals to an NFL-high 126 points through three games. The Rams sachet into the desert with 16 total points staring into the teeth of a defense with seven takeaways. St. Louis might not solve the Cardinals’ five-defensive back base defense without better play from the offensive line and more fireworks from QB Nick Foles, who threw for 411 yards against Arizona last season while playing for the Eagles.

Arizona’s defensive line has caused problems consistently, and the Rams are overmatched up front. That doesn’t bode well for a ground game yet to get going, and the Cardinals won’t let the Rams’ receivers off the line without a fight.

Arizona’s points have come in most every fashion – four returns, seven TD passes – and starting RB Andre Ellington could be back this week. The Cardinals have an impressive offensive arsenal that affords the ability to play up-tempo or engage in an alley brawl and Palmer has been sacked just once this season.

*Matchup to watch – Rams DT Aaron Donald vs. Cardinals offensive line: Donald whipped RG Jonathan Cooper and injured Cardinals QB Drew Stanton the last time he played Arizona and St. Louis leads the NFL with 13 sacks. The Cardinals would benefit from the return of LG Mike Iupati.

*Player spotlight – Cardinals S Deone Bucannon: A hybrid defender who plays in the box as a linebacker and also flips his hips to run with backs and tight ends, his versatility is a major factor in Arizona’s thriving secondary.

*Fast facts: Only four other teams in NFL history have scored 126 points in the first three games of a season. … The Rams have lost three straight meetings by a combined 43 points.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Cardinals are on Cloud Nine and building chemistry with contributions all around the roster. The Rams enter with a puncher’s chance because of their defensive line, but St. Louis hasn’t shown it can keep pace with Carson Palmer.

*Our pick: Cardinals 26-16.

 

[RamBill]

NFL Network’s Steve Mariucci gives his preception of the Rams with Anthony Stalter on The Turn

Listen to Mariucci Talk Rams

 

[Memento]

*TV announcers: Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Tony Siragusa

...Fuck me. Guys, prepare for some serious Cardinals dick-riding. Brennaman hates everything St. Louis because he's the Cincinnati Reds announcer.

 

[RamBill]

Kurt Warner talks Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Nick Foles, and the Night With Champions with Bernie.

Listen To Warner Talk Rams/Cards

 

[RamBill]

Rams preparing for same old dominant Larry Fitzgerald
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...paring-for-same-old-dominant-larry-fitzgerald

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- As one of the three teams Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald has played against the most in his NFL career, it stands to reason that Fitzgerald's numbers against the St. Louis Rams would be impressive.

But for all the teams that Fitzgerald has posted big statistics against, there's not one that he has had more success against than the Rams. His 16 receiving touchdowns in 22 games against the Rams are the most by any active player against a single team in the NFL. In addition to those touchdowns, Fitzgerald has averaged 6.2 catches and 74 yards per game against St. Louis.

Now for the scary part: at 32, fully healthy and with a true starting quarterback in Carson Palmer, Fitzgerald might be playing as well as ever through the first three weeks of 2015.

“He has just a rare understanding of the game," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said. "He’s got great body control and hand-eye coordination and speed and he just gets open. You’re hearing a lot about these receiver-quarterback tandems with [Falcons WR] Julio [Jones] down in Atlanta and some of the other guys, but this one is special. They’re special together. Carson and Fitz, they’ve got it going, so we’re going to have to play really well.”

As one of the most accomplished wideouts in the league, Fitzgerald is enjoying a renaissance in 2015 after he dipped below 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past three seasons. Those believing that Fitzgerald had lost a step are eating crow as Fitzgerald has 333 receiving yards (fifth in the NFL), and his five touchdown catches lead the league and are one more than the Rams have as a team.

How is he doing it? Well, it starts with a return to health. Fitzgerald battled an MCL sprain in 2014 and was left wearing a knee brace for most of the season. But he has struggled to get going without the services of a true No. 1 quarterback. With Palmer lost for most of the past two seasons because of knee injuries and less than optimal options before Palmer's arrival, Fitzgerald has had to try to corral passes from the likes of Ryan Lindley, Drew Stanton, John Skelton and Kevin Kolb.

Rams linebacker James Laurinaitis and Fitzgerald go way back to their days in Minnesota and have trained together in the past. Laurinaitis keeps tabs on Fitzgerald and points to Palmer's presence and Fitzgerald's health as reasons for his early-season revival.

"He sprained his MCL, so he’s out there with a knee brace on and that’s not a good look for a wideout to have a knee brace," Laurinaitis said. "So the combination of him not feeling well and you don’t have your starting quarterback, it makes a huge difference. He’s got probably the best hands in ball, arguably, very strong hands, and he’s a savvy vet now. He knows how to get open."

Palmer has been Fitzgerald's personal fountain of youth, feeding him the ball all over the field, and Arizona is not shy about moving Fitzgerald all over the formation. He has been particularly effective out of the slot or even stacked near the line of scrimmage in various bunch formations. In moving him around, the Cardinals have been able to create favorable matchups for him against nickel corners, safeties and even the occasional linebacker.

Fitzgerald and Palmer's connection is stronger than ever. The two have connected on 23-of-28 targets (82.1 percent) and have been particularly effective using the middle of the field on intermediate and deep routes. According to Pro Football Focus, Fitzgerald has caught all 11 balls thrown his way between the hash marks at least 10 yards down the field for 201 yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s played it ever since we’ve been here," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. "Now he’s playing a lot more flanker where he’s always been the split end where we can move him and he’s just bought into our philosophy. He’s probably one of the best blocking receivers in the league right now. But, it’s also helped him in the play-action game. We’re running the ball better than we have in the past, so that’s opening him up also.”

Which means the Rams must be constantly be aware of Fitzgerald's presence on Sunday or a set of numbers that's already impressive will continue to grow.

 

[RamBill]

Reporter Dani Klupenger talks to head coach Jeff Fisher prior to Sunday’s road game against the Cardinals.

Watch Fisher Up Front

 

[RamBill]

Former USC and Rams Head Coach John Robinson joined Kevin Wheeler to give his thoughts on the Cardinals, Bruce Arians, his old player Jeff Fisher, Fisher’s offensive plan, and Todd Gurley.

Listen to Robinson Talk Rams

 

[ram007]

Have you seen 13 dumb and dumbers at the same time? Here they are:

 

[fearsomefour]

Have you seen 13 dumb and dumbers at the same time? Here they are:

View attachment 10610

I like it when its like that.
In fairness there would be no reason for a non homer to pick the Rams.
I like it when everyone says we don't have a chance....the Rams usually play pretty well then.

 

[DaveFan'51]

Former USC and Rams Head Coach John Robinson joined Kevin Wheeler to give his thoughts on the Cardinals, Bruce Arians, his old player Jeff Fisher, Fisher’s offensive plan, and Todd Gurley.

Listen to Robinson Talk Rams

This was very interesting, to me. I hadn't heard Robison speak in years.
I'm not sure how much he is truly "up" on current players, But I did like it when he talked about his 1st Draft pick, for the Rams, Eric Dickerson! I liked his evaluation of Eric!

 

[RamBill]

Rams see Cardinals as 'a lot better' with Carson Palmer back
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...inals-as-a-lot-better-with-carson-palmer-back

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- It's not exactly a groundbreaking observation to note the influence quarterback Carson Palmer has on the Arizona Cardinals' offense when he's behind center.

For proof, one only needs to look at the struggles the Cardinals had without him in recent seasons when they leaned on the likes of Drew Stanton, Ryan Lindley, John Skelton and Kevin Kolb to provide enough offensive punch to complement one of the league's stoutest and most opportunistic defenses.

Now that Palmer's twice-repaired knee is back to full strength, there's nobody associated with the St. Louis Rams who hasn't noticed the Palmer effect as they prepare to play the Cardinals on Sunday.

"They’re a lot better," linebacker Alec Ogletree said. "The offense goes through him. Once he gets going, everybody else follows along with him. It’s going to be a challenge for us to get to him and keep pressure in his face and try to limit him from making big plays."

With Palmer at the controls and some help from that defense, the Cardinals have scored the fourth-most points (126) of any team in the first three games of a season in league history. In the process, Arizona has gone 3-0 and Palmer has extended his streak of consecutive victories as a starter to nine, the longest active streak in the NFL. The Cardinals are 16-2 in Palmer's past 18 starts.

So what is it about Palmer, aside from the fact that he's a legitimate starter and not a backup masquerading as one, that elevates the Cardinals?

Let the Rams count the ways.

"He’s a leader but he’s also patient with the football," linebacker James Laurinaitis said. "He’s not going to throw a lot of picks. A lot of times on third down, he will take a sack and not force it. He’s not trying to turn it over.

"He really changes their whole offense and what they do. When Carson is healthy, he makes their offense that much better. The challenge is can you make them one-dimensional and then when you do, can you make Carson uncomfortable by trying to make him kind of move in the pocket. It’s a big challenge, even bigger than last year."

Among NFL quarterbacks, Palmer's 91.1 QBR is second only to injured Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Palmer also ranks 10th in passing yards, fourth in yards per attempt, tied for second in touchdown passes and fourth in passer rating.

Palmer has been particularly effective using the middle of the field. According to Pro Football Focus, on throws from 10 to 20 yards between the hashmarks, he's completed all 17 of his passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns.

And whether he's under pressure or not, his numbers are about the same. On plays when he's not pressured, Palmer has a passer rating of 125.8. While that number drops when he is under pressure, Palmer still has a 100.4 passer rating when he is under fire.

According to Rams coach Jeff Fisher, part of the reason for that is Palmer's ability to maneuver in the pocket, which hadn't been a staple of his game before this season.

"Carson is moving around," Fisher said. "I wouldn’t have thought that you would get a quarterback at his age that’s showing the ability to move and escape the pocket and extend plays the way he does. He’s doing a really, really good job."

 

[RamBill]

Laurinaitis, Kenny Britt probable to play against Arizona
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...-kenny-britt-probable-to-play-against-arizona

EARTH CITY, Mo. -- The St. Louis Rams made some roster moves Friday as their injury report indicated a need for another safety. So the Rams released cornerback Brandon McGee and called up safety Christian Bryant from the practice squad.

While McGee could have helped on special teams, Bryant gives the Rams the help on special teams while also serving as depth at safety. That depth is apparently more important for the Rams than depth at corner this week because safety Maurice Alexander is out this week because of a groin injury.

As expected, the Rams probably will have the services of receiver Kenny Britt and linebacker James Laurinaitis. Britt and Laurinaitis sat out Tuesday and Wednesday because of shoulder soreness and non-injury related reasons, respectively.

Elsewhere, the Rams are mostly status quo though they added running back Benny Cunningham to the report after he sat out Friday with knee soreness. Cunningham is also listed as probable to play.

The Rams also signed cornerback Eric Patterson to the practice squad to replace Bryant.

Here's Friday's full injury report:

Out: DE Eugene Sims (knee), S Maurice Alexander (groin)

Doubtful: RB Chase Reynolds (knee)

Probable: WR Kenny Britt (shoulder), LB James Laurinaitis (not-injury related), RB Benny Cunningham (knee)

 

[RamBill]

James Laurinaitis joins “NFL HQ” to talk about becoming the franchise leader in tackles and discusses how his team is preparing for Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals.

Watch JL Interview

 

[RamBill]

Reporter Dani Klupenger and insider Myles Simmons talk about how the Rams can win their contest against the Cardinals.

Watch Keys To Victory

 

[RamBill]

Get ready for Sunday’s contest with the Rams-Cardinals Game Trailer.

Watch the Game Trailer

 

[RamBill]

Rams keeping focus on preventing big play against Cardinals
By Nick Wagoner

http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...ocus-on-preventing-big-play-against-cardinals

PHOENIX -- A look three things to watch when the St. Louis Rams play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET at University of Phoenix Stadium:

1. Staying underneath: Three weeks into the season, the Rams defense is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 81.6 percent of their passes. Without question, that's an eye-popping number for a defense that has been expected to carry the load in the early part of the season. While that number will certainly drop (it almost has to), the Rams actually don't mind it so much, especially when playing dynamic offenses like Pittsburgh or this week's opponent, Arizona.

The reason? Well, the Rams aren't allowing big plays down the field, instead relying on the pass rush to force the ball out quick and make tackles short of the sticks. Last week, Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had just four incompletions on 24 attempts but his yards per dropback came in at just 6.3. That was a big step back from the 13.67 he had the previous week against San Francisco and the 8.45 he had in the opener against New England. The result was a Pittsburgh offense that didn't have a passing play over 20 yards and the only one going that long was a catch-and-run by running back Le'Veon Bell.

Antonio Brown
The Rams have kept opposing offenses bottled up by making them throw the ball quickly.
With that in mind, don't be surprised if the Rams take a similar approach against Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer and his offense. Palmer enters the game fourth in the league in yards per attempt (9.4) and won't hesitate to take shots down the field. That means the Rams will probably again try to force him to get rid of the ball quick and make the Cardinals dink and dunk their way down the field.

2. Finding big plays: On the other side of the ball, the Rams find themselves in a position where they must attempt to do offensively what they're trying to stop defensively. In the season opener against Seattle, the Rams had eight plays of 20-plus yards so even when they struggled to run the ball, they were able to get yards in big chunks and put points on the board.

Over the past two weeks, the Rams have had a total of three plays of 20-plus yards. That wouldn't be a big deal if they were running the ball with any consistency but they aren't. The Rams are 29th in the league in rushing and still adapting to new zone concepts in the running game. Although they insist they're close to a breakthrough, it probably won't come this week against an Arizona team that is tied for fourth in the league in rushing yards per attempt allowed at 3.45.

Putting the ball in the air against opportunistic defensive backs such as Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu can be a dangerous proposition, but the Rams will have to lean on the passing game if they want to get the chunk plays needed to reach the end zone.

3. Scoring other ways: If you're picking up on a theme here about the Rams finding a way, any way, to score more points, well you should be. They've averaged eight points per game over the past two weeks. Is that surprising? No, not really. Most expected the offense to struggle with so many moving parts early in the season. Though perhaps the Rams' offensive struggles have been greater than expected.

But if the offense can't do it that means we have to unfairly put even more of a burden on the defense and special teams to make something happen, right? Well, yeah. It's asking a lot of the defense and/or special teams to come up with a touchdown every week but that's the world the Rams live in right now. In three games, they have one such touchdown, a punt return from Tavon Austin in the opener. It might not be a coincidence that that stands as the only game the team has won so far.

Palmer and the Cardinals generally do a good job of taking care of the ball, but there might be some opportunities for Austin if the Cardinals actually kick to him. It's a small sample size, but Arizona has allowed an average of 19.67 yards per punt return on three tries in the first three weeks. Logic says they won't give Austin a chance but if there's a mishit, perhaps he can again make a play that changes the game.