The St. Louis Rams Do’s and Don’ts: Arizona Cardinals

The season kickoff couldn’t have taken any longer. Seriously, It was like the football gods knew how edgy NFL fans were getting and just decided we could wait another 45 minutes. I didn’t know what to do with my life in that 45 minute wait. It was sort of like when you put food into the microwave and you feel as though you should be doing something to pass the time, but instead you find yourself pottering around doing nothing until the time is up. Even though it turned out to be a great game to watch, it was still just missing something…the St. Louis Rams. What better way to start the season against our divisional foes under the dome? This is what the Rams have to do if they are to start the season strong against the Arizona Cardinals.

DO’s

1. Shut down the Cards’ passing game. This seems like their only real threat on offense, as they don’t really have a running game. Expected starting running back, Rashard Mendenhall remained limited in drills, which keeps the door open for Ryan Williams to earn a decent number of carries as the listed backup. If the Cardinals are relying on this duo to carry the offense, things could look lovely for the Rams.
2. Put Tavon Austin in the backfield for a few plays. Austin was dynamic in the slot, as a wideout and as a running back for West Virginia. As Austin hasn’t really been shown this past preseason, putting him all over the field will leave the Cardinals defense something to think about.
3. Pressure Carson Palmer. Palmer is notoriously known for turning over the ball. Since 2004, only Eli Manning has thrown more interceptions than Palmer. When there is pressure, Palmer likes to think that he can throw balls into tight windows, but usually they lead to interceptions.

DON’Ts

1. Don’t underestimate the Cardinals defense. The only reason why this defense doesn’t get the recognition it deserves is simply because they’re in a division with potentially three defenses in the top 10. Their offense have sucked, constantly making their defense vulnerable.
2. Don’t kick to Patrick Peterson. Why would you? He either breaks out for a long run, or constantly looks like he will. In 2011, Peterson was the best punt returner in the game. In 2012, teams realized it wasn’t worth the risk to kick to him and he still came fourth in total yards.
3. Don’t overwork Daryl Richardson. He is yet to start an NFL game and he is yet to score a touchdown. Rams must treat him like a rookie, because no one is quite sure how he would cope with being an every down back for four quarters. Yeah, he broke out on some nice runs last year, but that was because Atlanta Falcons’ Steven Jackson (that was hard to say) would wear down the defenses and Richardson would come on with fresh legs.
4. Finally, DON’T LOSE! Every Ram fan is used to seeing the Rams 0-1 after week one. Lets not allow it to happen again.

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