Straighten out the Horns

In the beginning of the season, most people would’ve had this game pinned as an important, late-season divisional matchup that will determine these two teams’ playoff hopes. And while it sort of does, it only does for the Rams. Most people thought, the Cardinals would be breathing down the Rams next in this stretch of the season, but alas, they are out of contention. The Seahawks are behind the Rams by just one loss, so the Rams need to win to give them a little cushion over Seattle. The Rams have won their last four games, but their last two games were about as ugly of a win as you could conjure. 12-6 to the Niners two weeks ago and 19-9 over the Jets last week. Two weaker teams almost getting the better of this current divisional leader. Their offense sorely needs to start clicking. Matthew Stafford has thrown for 270 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT in his last 2 games. Not very Stafford-like. Against a bottom-half Cardinals defense, they need to turn the ship around. This is not the time to lose your way. The Rams will have to contain a more explosive offense than most, as they rank 24th in the league and the Cardinals rank 11th in total offense.

If you’re the Cardinals, yes, you may be out of the playoffs, but a win this week puts pressure on your division rivals. I’d want to see them both sweat it out, being their rivals and all. This would be the motivation I’d use for the team, because there hasn’t been that much year. Kyler Murray has been less than impressive, they have been unable to win games which has led to their early exit from contention, and they have a tough time playing defense. I’m not sure what the answers will be for Arizona, but I know everyone on that team needs to do some soul-searching and decide what kind of team they want to be next year. Because this team isn’t the one. I like the Rams here, they can blow by bad teams, but it’s up to them to do that. It’s nice to say, but they must execute. Put the last two weeks behind you and move forward.

POSTGAME:

The Cardinals almost made it tough on their divisional rivals. It was 13-9 as Arizona is driving down the field in the final minutes of the game, trying to spoil their playoff hopes. They put together a 9 play, 59-yard drive, starting at their own 36 yard-line. They get all the way to the five-yard line, and Kyler Murray throws a laser beam at Trey McBride’s head, who didn’t get his head out of his break quick enough, and the ball is intercepted on the deflection in a phenomenal play made by Ahkello Witherspoon. Just kind of sums of the season for the Cardinals. Yeah, they can compete, but never when it really matters. How are Kyler Murray and McBride not on the same page in terms of timing for that? They’ve only played a million games and workout in the offseason together. The Cardinals can’t spoil the fun because they’re apparently too bad, but the Rams are headed forward.