Rams must stop the run against pass-happy Cardinals

By Jeff Dickinson  |   Thursday, October 30, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

St. Louis Rams
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With offensive weapons like quarterback Kurt Warner and wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, opponents know that the Arizona Cardinals are going to throw first and ask questions later.

As the 2-5 St. Louis Rams prepare to host 4-3 Arizona and the family reunion with Warner, you would think that keying on the passing game is the main focus of the former's game plan.

That might not be correct, though.

Commentary: Opponents haven’t had much luck stopping Arizona’s passing attack this season. The Cards are second in the NFL in passing yards per game (287.7) and fourth in total points scored (200).

It's a given that the Cardinals are going to get their passing yards. The key is for the Rams to stop the run early so that the Arizona will have to throw the ball, thus allowing St. Louis to apply pressure.

In their three losses this season, the Cardinals have only averaged 65 total rushing yards per game. However, in those losses, Arizona still amassed almost 300 yards passing per matchup. The message for the Rams is clear: To beat the Cardinals, stop the run and limit the big plays in the passing game.

Fan Pulse: Although it has been five years since Warner played in St. Louis, fans still hold him in high regard because of the Super Bowl title he helped the Rams win in 1999. There are a bunch of fans who would gladly trade Marc Bulger for Warner right now, even though Warner is older and is at the tail end of his career.

Fantasy Football Impact: Rookie wide receiver Donnie Avery has emerged as a must-start fantasy option for the Rams. After his career day against the Patriots last week (six catches for 163 yards and a touchdown), Avery has replaced Torry Holt as the primary scoring threat for St. Louis.

Injury Watch: The injury watch for the Rams begins and ends with running back Steven Jackson. Jackson missed the New England game last week because of a hamstring injury, but he has practiced this week and is expected back for the Arizona game. It remains to be seen whether he will be at full strength, but a limited Jackson is still better than any other running option St. Louis has.

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About Jeff Dickinson

I have been writing and editing professionally for 18 years. I spent the first three years of my career as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Alabama and got to cover sports and get paid for it! It was great until I got married and then it wasn't too much fun being away from my wife every ...
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