NFC Game Of The Week
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
Cardinals: They were having themselves a tough time with the Jacksonville Jaguars in week three. But they were able to pull away. Coming into the 2021 season, I knew the NFC West would be a highly entertaining division because you could make a case for all four teams winning the division. The Seattle Seahawks won it last year and will always be a factor with Russell Wilson, the 49ers are healthy for once, the Rams are strong and then, the Cardinals are also in the fold. Remember last year when I called Kyler Murray out for not showing leadership? There were moments back then whenever he’d throw an interception, he’d be pouting on the sidelines and distance himself from the team. Most quarterbacks in that situation are rallying the troops and going over what we wrong. Now, I’m seeing that from Kyler. When I watch the Cardinals, I’ve seen more balance in their offense. They’re making more of an attempt to run the ball. Arizona has been solid in pass defense this year thanks to their pass rushing up front. The secondary has been suspect at times, but it’s been covered up because of the front seven getting home. Having a healthy Chandler Jones is a positive and Isaiah Simmons is leading the team in tackles. On Sunday, they’ll take on a locked in Rams team.
Rams: After three weeks, this has been the best team I’ve seen so far in the NFL. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level and these are the best set of weapons he’s ever had in his career. On Sunday against the Buccaneers, he threw the football up and down the field but most importantly, he had all day to throw the football. When your quarterback leaves the game with the cleanest jersey on the field, that means the protection up front was top notch. Coaching truly matters in this sport. Sean McVay and Stafford have been a tandem meant for one another. After looking at the tape of the game against Tampa Bay, they put their foot on the gas and never looked back. I also stated that the team who kept their quarterback on his feet more consistently and applied pressure more would win the football game and that was in favor of the Rams. Even after switching defensive coordinators, they haven’t missed a beat. Aaron Donald is still Aaron Donald and always will be. They are stout in each tier. The defensive line creates havoc up front, the linebackers are able to freely roam around because of the front four and the secondary can match up with any group of receivers in this league. They’ll welcome the Cardinals to town next.
Cardinals X-Factor: A.J. Green– He may not be the guy he was in his Cincinnati days. But so far as a member of the Cardinals, he’s proven to be serviceable. This was such a good signing for the Cardinals. Kyler has the luxury of throwing the ball to a duo of guys who have been respectable number one receivers on other rosters. A.J. can still get down the field and make those circus catches.
Rams X-Factor: Sony Michel– This could be his breakout game in a Rams uniform. Honestly, this could be the only downfall they have as a team is an inconsistent ground attack. If Cam Akers were in the lineup and healthy, this would be a scarier offense, but they will work with what they have. Even in his days with the Patriots, every time they fed Sony the ball, he would help wear a defense down. In other words, establish him as often as you can.
Final Thoughts: It’s another week of a battle of unbeaten teams! Arizona is off to a quick start and the Rams have blazed through two of their first three opponents. The Rams have owned Arizona since Sean McVay became their head coach. The best way for the Rams to attack this Cardinals defense is by running the ball. Arizona is built more to defend the pass. I see running lanes being open for LA in this one because the Cards will be so focused on stopping the Rams passing attack. After a dominant win in week one, the Cardinals have come back down to reality after a big week one win over the Tennessee Titans. They could easily be 2-1 right now if the Vikings don’t miss that field goal in week two.
Prediction: Rams 31, Cardinals 24
