5 key questions for Rams vs Cards in Week 12…

5 key questions for Rams vs. Cardinals in Week 12

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Cameron DaSilva



Seahawks, snapping their three-game losing streak. They’ll try to keep it going on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals a team they also beat in Week 6 by a score of 26-9.

The Cardinals have Kyler Murray available this time around after he missed the first meeting, which is a major difference for Arizona. As a result, the Rams aren’t heavily favored in this one.

To preview Rams-Cardinals on Sunday, we chatted with Cards Wire editor Jess Root and asked five key questions, including his final score prediction.

1

How has Kyler Murray looked in his first games back from injury? Is he moving the same as he always has?

Cards Wire: In terms of movement, you can’t tell he was ever hurt. The burst, the quickness and the willingness to run have not changed. He has rushed for touchdowns in both games he has played and, in the touchdown run last week, I don’t know how he beat the angle the Houston defenders had. He had a couple of bad throws last week but in general, he looks as good as ever.

2

Aside from Budda Baker, who's a playmaker Rams fans should know on Arizona's defense?

Cards Wire: Two rookie defenders are coming on strong — linebacker BJ Ojulari and defensive tackle Dante Stills. Ojulari has 4 sacks in the last four games. Stills has 3.5 sacks as a sixth-round pick. He has been forced into a prominent role because of so many injuries on the defensive line.

3

The Rams ran all over the Cardinals in Week 6. Was that a fluke for the defense or is it just not very good against the run?

Cards Wire: They aren’t that good against the run. They have allowed over 100 yards in nine of 11 games this season and in six consecutive games. In the last six games, opponents have averaged 138.7 rushing yards per game.

4

How big of a difference does James Conner make in the backfield?

Cards Wire: Conner is the motor of the offense. He is the strength and his success is what sets the offensive tone. The Cardinals averaged 10.8 points in the four games he was on injured reserve. He has averaged over four yards per carry in nine straight games.

5

Who wins on Sunday and why?

Cards Wire: This is a tough one. The Cardinals have not beaten the Rams at home since 2014. The Rams, though, are not playing particularly well. The Cardinals should have won last week and did win in Murray’s first game back. Despite being shorthanded, I think the Cardinals squeak out a 24-23 win.