Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams: Preview, prediction

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