The Arizona Cardinals come to SoFi Stadium on Sunday for a big NFC West faceoff with the Los Angeles Rams. Both divisional teams are unbeaten at 3-0, with the winner of this game getting an early jump on things in what should be a competitive division that comes down to the wire. For what it’s worth, the Rams again beat the Cardinals in both games last season, but a lot has changed. The Cardinals appear more dialed-in, and the Rams are looking good with Matthew Stafford behind center. Both teams are coming off successful week three showings, with the Rams beating Tampa Bay, 34-24, while the Cardinals took it to Jacksonville, 31-19.
Who Looks Better?
Perhaps the Rams have been a bit more dominant, really looking good with Stafford back there commandeering this deep offense. He’s getting a lot of the receiver crew, with Cooper Kupp really blowing up in this offense, with other role guys playing a big role. A lot of different guys can get you production in this offense. And a conclusive win that was never in doubt against Tampa boosts their profile. But Arizona has been strong, laying out a Titans squad that hasn’t lost since, before scoring wins over Minnesota and Jacksonville.
There has been something more conclusive perhaps about the Rams’ early-season start. Arizona needed a missed FG to avert defeat to the Vikings. And against Jacksonville, things were going the Jags’ way until mistakes undermined their day. It was 19-10 Jags late in the third quarter when the wheels came off. But there is more vulnerability with Arizona. Their defense hasn’t been as good the last few weeks, the pass-rush tailed off a bit, and with four picks already, and no TD throws in his last game, Murray has been a little off.
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Cardinals Could Make it Work
A few things shake out that could make this a decent spot for the Cardinals, who are getting points. DeAndre Hopkins has been banged up and should be a bit closer to full-power this week. With an expansive receiving package, Murray has options. With his legs, James Conner coming alive last week with two TDs, Chase Edmonds, and all those pass-catchers, the Rams’ defense will be facing one of its toughest matchups of the early season. The Rams did well last week against a strong Tampa offense, but let’s see what having a more-dynamic QB will do for Arizona.
The Arizona offensive line has had its failings this season on occasion, and while they’ve kept Murray protected, they haven’t sprung the run game all that consistently. But they’re pretty good and playing well, something that can’t be said for the different fronts that the Rams’ defense has feasted on so far this season. A few key guys along that line are banged-up, which bears watching. Still, you take that line, add Murray’s legs, and all the variety in his toolbox, maybe we see a Rams defense get tested and stretched to a greater degree this weekend. And maybe that Arizona pass-rush can come alive to a greater degree, and they can provide some discomfort to Stafford, who has had the luxury of working in some pretty clean pockets this season so far.
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X Factors
In a divisional game like this with two 3-0 teams looking to make a big move this season, both teams are urgent. Having seen far less overall success than the Rams, however, this could stick out as a more transcendent moment for the Cardinals. A road win here to put them at 4-0 would really put wind in their sails. It would be a win that serves as confirmation that they’re firmly on the right track after struggling hard to get to this spot. But the last time the Cardinals beat the Rams, it was on the strength of three TD passes from Carson Palmer. This is not a hump this current Cardinals team has ever yet been able to get over.
