Rams defense steps up big in first half; trail Arizona 10-0

The St. Louis Rams have their undefeated division record on the line as they trail the Arizona Cardinals 10-0 at the half. Big plays have hurt the Rams, but the defense has limited the damage on the scoreboard. The Cardinals have had their way and have out-gained St. Louis in all offensive categories through the first half.

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Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is off to a hot start and enjoying a nice completion percentage through two quarters of play. Like most quarterbacks that face the Rams team, he’s completed a large number of passes underneath and over the middle. Palmer finished the half completing 14 of 23 passes for 179-yards and a touchdown. The touchdown went to JJ Nelson on a 22-yard play to the corner of the end zone where Maurice Alexander blew the coverage.

Alexander was in at at safety due to some defensive shuffling caused by the injury starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins suffered early in the first quarter. Safety TJ McDonald went looking for a big hit on Michael Floyd, but found Jenkins instead. Jenkins was evaluated in the locker room, but was able to return to the game later in the quarter.

Dec 6, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals defense is certainly one of the better units in the league, but Nick Foles will take an average defense and make them look all-pro. Foles has consistently failed to produce anything on offense this season and today has been no different. Foles finished the half 7 of 11 for 76-yards and an interception. Back up quarterback Case Keenum is active today after passing the NFL’s concussion protocol. While Keenum isn’t the best option, Foles poor play may force head coach Jeff Fisher’s hand and insert Kennum into the game.

The running game is been one sided. With the season ending injury to Chris Johnson, Arizona has turned to rookie David Johnson who has 66-yards on 14 carries. Johnson has seen limited action this season, but scored on a long rushing touchdown in the season opener for Arizona and has a 108-yard kick return for a touchdown.

Fellow rookie Todd Gurley has struggled to get things going. Gurley has become something of a slow starter, but it will be very tough sledding to come back form his first half total. Gurley posted just seven rushing yards on six carries in the first half. In fairness, Gurley hasn’t had many opportunities to produce and with the score still close, it’s surprising St. Louis has gotten away from the running game.

If there is one saving grace for the Rams this afternoon, it is the very poor play of the Cardinals in the redzone. Multiple trips to the redzone resulted in just one touchdown and a field goal for Arizona. Two additional drives were halted by sacks or penalties that pushed them out of scoring position. However, the Rams have yet to even reach the redzone or maintain their drives. St. Louis continues to struggle on third down converting just one of five in the half.