Arizona’s running game arrives
The running game has been stagnant since the beginning of the season. However, the Cardinals surprisingly rank 12th in rushing offense, per Pro-Football-Reference.
Problem is, they’re averaging just 3.9 yards per rushing attempt, which ranks in the middle of the pack. However, they’re tied with four other teams for second in the league with five rushing touchdowns.
In short, they’ve shown potential. And while the Rams have one of the better rushing defenses in football, they have also allowed 4.3 yards per attempt, which ranks as the 13th-highest allowed in the league, with two other teams.
Los Angeles has also given up four rushing touchdowns, tied for the seventh-highest total in the league.
The real reason for the Rams’ supposedly top-10 rushing defense stems from the fact they have only faced 65 rushing attempts all season, the sixth-lowest total in the NFL.
But with a Cardinals’ passing game operating on all cylinders regardless of who’s playing defense, it will force Los Angeles to respect Kyler Murray’s arm along with his plethora of talent surrounding him that includes DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, Maxx Williams, and Rondale Moore.
Such a supporting cast will open things up for the running backs, and don’t be surprised if both James Conner and Chase Edmonds average between four and five yards per rushing attempt and carry the ball often this week.