St. Louis Rams to start Nick Foles Sunday vs. Arizona Cardinals

By Alex Alarcon | Dec 4, 2015

The St. Louis Rams are going to give quarterback Nick Foles another shot under center. Partly due to Case Keenum not clearing the concussion protocol. Coach Jeff Fisher announced the move Thursday, as Foles will get the nod to face the Cardinals one more time this season. Fisher noted that if Keenum does pass the protocol before the game, he will backup Foles. Keenum was limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday.

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Last week, Nick Foles returned as the starter, in the Rams 31-7 blow out loss to the Bengals. Foles was 30 of 46 for 228 yards and threw three interceptions, which one of them being returned for a touchdown by Leon Hall. Foles is currently ranked 31st on the NFL Total Quarterback Ratings, and has the lowest rating of 32.8. On the season, Foles has thrown for 1,906 yards, yet has only completed 57.9 % of his passes.

Foles also has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns with nine interceptions and seven touchdowns. Foles is having one of his worst years in his whole career right now. With that in mind, Coach Fisher will once again be benching Foles after this Sunday’s matchup against the Cardinals. Fisher said once Keenum is fully cleared and ready to go, he will remain the starting quarterback.

As for Foles, he will have one more chance to change Fisher’s mind, as he did have his best game this season against the Cardinals in Week 4. Foles threw for 171 yards, along with three touchdowns. Foles even scored a quarterback rating of 126.9. Foles also completed 66.7 percent of his throws as the Rams beat the Cardinals by the score of 24-22. Throughout the season Foles has been struggling, and commented on his play after the Rams crucial loss to the Bears in Week 10.

"“I feel good,” Foles said “Rhythm, I feel good dropping back, throwing, reading defenses, I feel good about it. But I have got to continue to play better. Part of being a quarterback is making the guys around you play better, I understand. We, as an offense, just have to keep improving.” Per Nick Wagoner."

Sep 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) runs the ball in for a one yard touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Seahawks 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

For Foles, he must be able to come out strong, as the Cardinals defense is not one to mess with. Arizona is currently ranked 10th in passing yards allowed (253.3 per game) and second in interceptions (15). Foles has been known for throwing under 200 yards every game, and throwing interceptions, could be a long day for the Rams offense. St. Louis is also ranked dead last in total touchdown passes with eight touchdowns through the air.

Arizona is looking for its sixth straight win, as their main goal will be to stop rookie running back Todd Gurley. The Cardinals gave up 146 rushing yards to Gurley in Week 4, and will have revenge on their minds.

If the Cardinals are able to stop the run, they will put the Rams in another sticky situation at offense. In the Rams four game losing streak, each of their opponents were able to hold Gurley under 100 yards and the passing game never developed for St. Louis.

Will Nick Foles be 4-0 in division play after Sunday? With this St. Louis Rams team, anything is possible.