Rams Get Back on Track With 37-7 Dismantling of the Jags | Rams @ Cardinals Preview

The Los Angeles Rams are back in the win column for the first time in over a month. After a gauntlet of some very decisive losses to some of the toughest competition in the NFL, the Rams regroup after beating up on lost Jags team that's basically begging for the offseason to stop the bleeding.

Simply put: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford made it a point to get back on track after three straight games with pix-sixes. He would throw for 295 yards in this game and toss 3 touchdowns while accomplishing zero turnovers. It was a big spot for Stafford to show he can get right and put up a lot of points against a bad team. Now that the Rams showed that they can beat up on Jacksonville in all three phases, the best team in the NFL looms in the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.

Looking Ahead

The Rams start a five game gauntlet to close out the 2021 season with a Monday night matchup at State Farm Stadium against the Cardinals. Arizona is without a doubt the hottest team in the NFL right now and pretty much has been the entire season. They've remained consistent and boast a 10-2 record entering week 14. The Cardinals are averaging 28.6 points per game which has them ranked 3rd in the league. Kyler Murray continues his stellar season despite battling an ankle injury. Murray's threatening presence is one that the Rams defense knows very well. The Cardinals broke a 4 season long losing streak to their NFC West rival in week 4 with a commanding 37-20 win.

It was a game in which the Rams looked how they have the weeks before the Jaguars game: lost and stagnant. L.A.'s has to play their best game of the year in order to keep this one close and give their offense a chance for a possible shootout with AZ. Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is always the matchup to watch when these two teams compete. Ramsey continues his "star" role in the secondary which has him taking matchups from the slot position to out wide. It's been hit or miss with the All-Pro defensive back but regardless, Ramsey has been the shining spot on this defense this season. Look for him to keep it up, especially if former Bronco Von Miller can heat up in this game and get to Kyler Murray. The acquisition of Miller certainly puts emphasis on the Rams attempts to slow Murray down in these matchups. 

The Rams offense really just needs to pitch a mistake free game to compete with the Cardinals. Absolutely no turnovers, whether it's special teams or Matthew Stafford throwing interceptions. After sending receiver J.J. Koski down to the practice squad, the Rams signed running back Mekhi Sargent to possibly take over return duties. Starting RB Darrell Henderson will be out against AZ due to Covid-19 protocols which will give Sony Michel the backfield for the second week in a row. Michel ran incredibly well against the Jags, amassing 121 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown. The most important stat for Michel is that he protected the football and did not lose a single fumble. It's crucial the Rams to establish that ground game as the Cards rank in the middle of the pack in the entire NFL in stopping the run.

Establishing that run game and utilizing play action passes could be the difference for the Rams offense. Wideout Cooper Kupp is coming off of another amazing game in a season full of them. With increased attention on Odell Beckham Jr. settling into his role in this offense, look for Coop to keep up his current trajectory. The loss of Robert Woods is so incredibly palpable but the Rams are adjusting nicely without him. Second year receiver Van Jefferson seems to be filling Woods' role nicely as Beckham looks to take the more long-ball receiver. Beckham is averaging about 15 yards per catch in his time as a Ram. Look for Head Coach Sean McVay to scheme up to keep Beckham active in the deep passing game.

Monday night will pit two of the best teams in the NFC against each other and basically a battle for first in the NFC West. Though I think it'll be closer than the week 4 matchup, I still see the Cardinals completing the sweep of the Rams in 2021 with a 34-27 victory from State Farm Stadium.