Carson Palmer, Cardinals seek bounce-back performance vs. RamsBy Alden Gonzalez
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LOS ANGELES -- Perhaps you don't quite recognize this year's version of the Arizona Cardinals, a team widely expected to contend for an NFC Championship. They were just dismantled by a bad Buffalo Bills team on Sunday, their defense allowing 208 rushing yards and their quarterback throwing four fourth-quarter interceptions. The Cardinals have now lost four of their last six games dating back to 2015, three of them by 15-plus points.
The Los Angeles Rams hope they don't suddenly come to life this Sunday, in a Week 4 matchup from University of Phoenix Stadium that kicks off at 1:25 p.m. PT. The Rams are coming off a thrilling 37-32 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, moving to 2-1 -- good enough for first place in the NFC West -- for the first time in 10 years. Now they'll face a tough road test against a divisional opponent that has beaten them four out of the last five times.
Below are six opposing players to watch, courtesy of ESPN Cardinals reporter Josh Weinfuss.
Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer are searching for answers after a disappointing 1-2 start.
OFFENSE
WR Larry Fitzgerald: He’s off to a blazing start with 20 catches for 218 yards and three touchdowns, showing there’s still plenty of life left in his 33-year-old legs. He’s coming off a 60-yard outing against the Bills, but Fitzgerald has shown he’s still capable of exploding for a big game. He hasn’t eclipsed 100 yards receiving just yet, but it’s coming.
QB Carson Palmer: When Palmer can find a rhythm, he’s one of the toughest quarterbacks in the NFL to defend -- but he didn’t find one often on Sunday. He bounced early passes into the hands of John Brown and he threw four fourth-quarter interceptions as he tried to force the Cardinals back into the game. But in between, Palmer looked calm -- as he always does when Arizona is losing -- and was able to orchestrate a couple of long drives that resulted in points. But even at 36, Palmer still needs to figure out ways to eliminate bounce passes.
RB David Johnson: If somebody in the stands has paid to watch Johnson, they’ll be getting their money worth. He played 79 of 82 snaps against the Bills and has become a staple of the Cardinals offense through three games. Despite Arizona’s offensive line struggling to block the Bills’ front seven, Johnson still ran for 83 yards and two touchdowns, and caught another three passes for 28 yards, making Sunday the third straight week Johnson went over 100 all-purpose yards.
DEFENSE
OLB Chandler Jones: He’s on pace to have the best season of his career -- and no, it’s not too early to say that. Jones is tied with Markus Golden, his fellow outside linebacker, with a team-high three sacks. While he hasn’t been flashy early, he’s been consistent, and Jones causes headaches for offenses who have to game plan around one of the league’s top young pass rushers.
S Tony Jefferson: The undrafted veteran safety has emerged as the Cards’ top defender through the first three games with a team-high 30 tackles as he plays closer to the box, filling Tyrann Mathieu’s role as the Honey Badger continues to strengthen his right knee, which he injured late last season. Jefferson is one of four Cardinals with a sack and he had a forced fumble last week against Buffalo. Where Jefferson causes problems for offenses is his versatility. He can blitz, play nickel corner or retreat to deep safety and patrol the secondary.
OLB Markus Golden: The biggest beneficiary of Arizona trading for Jones may be Golden, who is tied for the team high in sacks with Jones with three. His pressure gives Arizona a bookend of talented young pass rushers. He’s quick and strong, despite being 6-foot-2, and his ability to get to the quarterback has been on display.
