Gameday: Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams
By Scott Allen
It’s time. The 2010 NFL season is upon us!
Today’s Arizona Cardinals matchup: @ St. Louis Rams
TV/Radio: FOX 10, 1:15pm, 92.3 (FM) KTAR (game is not on Sports 620 KTAR due to Arizona Diamondbacks baseball)
Game Outlook: The Arizona Cardinals made a lot of changes on both sides of the ball thanks to free agency, cuts, and retirements. The St. Louis Rams made a few changes, most notably at quarterback where number one pick Sam Bradford will make his NFL debut today. The Cardinals start with a new quarterback in Derek Anderson, who many will be watching closely at. Many of those people, Cards fans, who undoubtedly will be calling for his removal in favor of backup and undrafted rookie Max Hall, after the first interception. So for both teams, both start anew in certain aspects. One fact remains though, the Cards are still better than the Rams and the Rams will still struggle, but with Bradford behind center, should see flashes of brilliance, even today. Give him a couple of seasons to bring St. Louis back to the forefront of the NFL. Just give him a supporting cast. As for the Cards, they will be out there to start answering alot of their questions marks, starting today. Many “experts” have the Rams winning today.
Best matchup: Bradford vs. the Arizona defense. Even if Bradford struggles today, you may still not learn much about the Cards defense. Much of what goes wrong for Bradford and the Rams offense may have to do with Bradford making rookie mistakes. I think what the Cards defense could do though is maybe instill a little more confidence in fans and media alike that although still not sure it is known what Arizona has in their defense, they aren’t going to be as bad as some people think.
Injury report: Beanie Wells is doubtful. Larry Fitzgerald is healthy and will start. He will wear a brace.
Prediction: Arizona 27 St. Louis 21. I think the Rams do score with Bradford. you can’t count out Steven Jackson either. The Cards will still be too much, but don’t expect this to be a blowout. The Cards will make their share of mistakes. They may just make a few less than the Rams.