Arizona Cardinals are heavy underdogs going into Los Angeles to face division rival Rams
Even in recent history over the past few years, the Los Angeles Rams have played the Arizona Cardinals tough. However the Cardinals do seem to play them better on the road.
This will be just the second trip to Los Angeles for the Cardinals since the Rams moved back in 2016 from St. Louis. The Cardinals won 44-6. Believe it or not, that day wasn’t long ago, the first day of the calendar year last year in 2017.
But it sure seems like a lifetime since. Rams quarterback Jared Goff has gotten much better. He has better weapons in his arsenal now. The defense, which was already decent, has gotten much better.
The Rams won games in Arizona in 2015 and 2016. in 2017, they soundly beat the Cardinals 33-0 in London, where they were technically the home team. They beat the Cardinals last December in Glendale 32-16.
Being outscored by this team 65-16 last season and many expect them to be better this season with a new quarterback and coach in place in Arizona, doesn’t seem like a good mix to expect good things from the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.
However, stranger things have happened. Despite lines showing the Rams favored by 11 or more in Las Vegas, you still have to play the game. That’s how it works.
You will have 92 professional football players on the field on Sunday. They all have to do their job in order to win. They aren’t just handed a victory.
Last week the Cardinals came out flat and were just manhandled by the Washington Redskins 24-6. The Rams actually struggled in the first half last week in a 33-13 win over the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders were up 13-10 at halftime.
So, never say never. The Cardinals certainly have guys that can ball on both sides of the ball. What happened last week doesn’t always translate to the next.
Sure, odds are against the Cardinals and there is absolutely no denying that. But let’s give them a chance, shall we?
If it is the same song and dance we got last week, there may be bigger issues. At the very least don’t we want to at least see improvement and a much better effort. It may not result in a win, but possibly a step in the right direction.