Rams' pressuring defense stifles Palmer, CardinalsBy Chris Wesseling
Around the NFL Writer
Published: Oct. 2, 2016 at 08:05 p.m.
With Carson Palmer in the locker room for concussion evaluation, Rams linebacker Mark Barron intercepted backup quarterback Drew Stanton to seal a 17-13 victory for the Los Angeles Rams over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4. Here's what we learned:
1. After leading the NFL in several major categories last season, Arizona's offense has begun this season in a malaise. Through four games, all 10 of Carson Palmer's first-quarter drives have resulted in punts, putting the defense behind the eight-ball. Rather than using the run and the short passing game to set up downfield strikes, the Cardinals have been forcing the deep ball in inopportune situations. Although the overhauled offensive line has been shaky at times, there's too much talent on this offense to remain stuck in the mud all season long. Coach Bruce Arians announced after the game that the team will be "very, very careful" with Palmer in the concussion protocol. On a short week, the veteran signal-caller's status is in doubt for Thursday's game at San Francisco.
2. Arizona's offensive woes were due in no small part to a pressuring Rams defense led by Aaron Donald. The All Pro defensive tackle generated 1.5 sacks and four QB hits, teaming with Eugene Sims on a high-low takedown that knocked Palmer out of a 13-10 game late in the fourth quarter. Donald and Robert Quinn have been as disruptive as any tackle-end tandem in football this season, setting the tone for a swarming defense that has bounced back in a big way from an embarrassing 28-0 shellacking in the season opener.
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