Week 9 Gameday: Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams

The Arizona Cardinals are simply explosive. The cardinals lead the league in points per game (28.6) and are 2nd in passing offense and 5th in total yardage. The magnificent trio of receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breston have helped Kurt Warner regain his MVP form. Warner currently leads all NFL QB’s in completion percentage at 70.2% and he is third in QB rating at 102.1. The running game is struggling (29th), and is led by Edgerrin James and newcomer Tim Hightower a rookie out of Richmond. The Cardinals have only won one road game and that was against the awful Niners. In addition they have allowed 120 points in their four road games. Their defense will need to play much better against the Rams to come out with a victory. I would love to see the Rams match the intensity and the hard hits that the Cardinals make. Adrian Wilson, Karlos Dansby, and Bertrand Berry are fierce hitters. The Cardinals play very hard for 60 minutes but somehow manage to lose some games that they should win.

The Rams will need to answer with a balanced offense. The game plan against the Dallas Cowboys was executed very well between Steven Jackson and throws to both sides of the field as well as stretching the field with Donnie Avery. I look for more of the same today. Avery should be matched up quite a lot against Eric Green and should have some success, however he better have his head on a swivel with Adrian Wilson back deep. Torry Holt complained all week about not getting the ball. It was obvious to the fans he was not getting the ball. Let’s put to rest the fact that people are saying Torry is done. That is simply not true. Torry came into last season coming off knee injuries and produced 93 catches. This year Torry is in even better shape. Don’t give up on your heroes, Torry still has big game and hopefully some of it will come out today. Remember Scott Linehan was coach for four of the games and Marc Bulger has played bad at best. I look for Torry to snag several of his patented 15-18 yard outs today against the Cardinals secondary. The Rams who are 25th in passing and rushing will need a solid game today to beat the Cardinals. The Rams have played solid on D the last 3 weeks and have attacked the ball with multiple players. This also needs to continue today with the possibility of Leonard Little and Adam Carriker out of the lineup. The Rams will need a huge week from the linebacking core which will need to put heat on Kurt Warner all day.

I believe this game will be more about intensity, passion, and character than X’s and O’s. The 66,000 faithful will give the Rams a small edge on this day.

Prediction:

St. Louis Rams – 24

Arizona Cardinals – 23