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theramswire.usatoday.com] Why Rams should stick to new ground-and-pound game plan vs. Cardinals
Cameron DaSilva
December 9, 2021 10:47 am PT
The Rams offense was almost unrecognizable in Week 13 against the Jaguars. Gone was the pass-heavy attack with Matthew Stafford dropping back with no illusion of play action or pre-snap motion. Gone were the back-breaking turnovers and short fields handed to the opponent.
Sean McVay swapped out that strategy for a new-look approach that featured 26 rushing attempts by the running backs, 12 play-action passes and heavy packages that included six offensive linemen on the field together. The result was a 37-7 beatdown of the Jaguars, maintaining possession and giving Jacksonville very few opportunities to score.
Their opponent will be much tougher this week as they head to Arizona to face the 10-2 Cardinals, but not much should change with the Rams’ game plan on offense. They should stick with the run-first approach again on Monday night, and there are several reasons for that.
Cardinals are one of the worst teams vs. run
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no coincidence that McVay deployed this new ground-and-pound game plan one week before facing the Cardinals. The Jaguars were the perfect opponent to try it on, knowing they’re one of the worst teams in the NFL, if not the worst.
It’s hard to believe but the Cardinals are even worse against the run than Jacksonville. And that’s exactly why the Rams should stick to the same game plan they used against the Jags. According to Pro Football Focus, the Cardinals have a 38.5 run defense grade, second-worst in the NFL. They’re allowing 4.7 yards per carry, third-worst in football. When the Packers and Panthers beat the Cardinals, they rushed for 151 and 166 yards, respectively, keeping the ball on the ground with success.
The 49ers rushed for 152 yards and only lost by seven, and the Vikings rushed for 177 yards and lost by one. It’s been the recipe many teams have used against Arizona this season and it’s one the Rams should certainly turn to, as well.
With Sony Michel and potentially Darrell Henderson Jr. in the backfield, the Rams should have a two-man tandem to lean on, keeping the defense off-balance with Michel’s physicality and Henderson’s explosiveness. Michel dominated against the Jags and it’s likely he’ll find success against the Cardinals, too.
