The Los Angeles Rams are hoping to get back on track when they hit the road for a NFC West showdown with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13.
With each team still in striking distance within the division heading into the final stretch of the 2020 NFL season, the result of this matchup could have some major playoff implications.
Rams Offense Vs Cardinals Defense
The Rams continue to struggle mightily to uphold their end of the bargain on offense. Their woes begin and end under center with Jared Goff, who has suddenly become quite generous with turning the ball over in recent weeks.
While they can take solace in the fact that they are sporting a clean bill of health on this side of the ball, time is running out for them to find their rhythm.
Fortunately, L.A. has a much more favorable matchup this time around going against an Arizona defense that has been middling for most of the year. Head coach Sean McVay’s 6-0 record over them gives even more reason to be optimistic.
Despite their struggles to start the season, the Cardinals’ defense has kicked things up a notch as of late. This group forced quarterback Cam Newton to throw two interceptions last week and are also ninth in the league in sacks (28).
The recent uptick could prove to be another blueprint for disaster for Goff.
Rams Defense Vs Cardinals Offense
As bad as the offense has been, the Rams’ defense has done all it can to make up for the team’s shortcomings under coordinator Brandon Staley. Not only are they tied for third with 34 sacks this season, but this group is also giving up the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (93.5).
Like L.A., Arizona has not been able to put together a complete game where both sides of the ball manage to play at a high level. The offense has scored a combined 38 points over the last two weeks, which resulted in heartbreaking losses each time.
Although Larry Fitzgerald may be on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, there is still more than enough firepower between Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins and Kenyan Drake to get back on track.
Keys To Victory
Take Care Of The Ball
Goff has thrown six interceptions and lost four fumbles since Week 8. His abysmal performance last week was even enough to draw some criticism from McVay.
It is no secret that turnovers can be deciding factors in tightly-contested games. Any hope of winning will need to begin with the offense taking care of the ball.
Capitalize Off Defense
At this point, Goff and the offense are going to need all the help they can get in order to establish some kind of rhythm. The defense has already done a stellar job of giving them as many chances to perform as possible, however, it has been to no avail in recent weeks.
Given their track record this season, it is safe to assume that they will be creating even more opportunities in Week 13. Putting up some easy points on the board could be just the kind of spark this offense needs.
Keep Murray In the Pocket
There is no question that Murray is capable of making every throw from the pocket. Regardless, Staley and safety John Johnson III have already acknowledged the matchup problem he creates with his legs.
Opposing teams Murray have forced him to be one-dimensional as of late and this has forced the offense to sputter. The Rams would be wise to take the same approach by keeping him in the pocket at all times.
How to Watch
Time: 1:05 PT
Location: University of Phoenix Stadium
TV: FOX
