4 keys to LA Rams win over Cardinals in Week 4

Do you think that the eight-game winning streak that the LA Rams enjoy currently over the Arizona Cardinals requires the Rams to simply show up? Well, that’s not going to happen. This is a brand new Cardinals team, and a brand new Rams team.  Truth be told, this team is probably less like any of the other previous versions, as the team has replaced seven coaches and coordinators from a year ago.

The Cardinals have not had to adapt to so many changes. It’s the same ole head coach Kliff Kingsbury, the same ole quarterback Kyler Murray, and a few changes to the supporting cast.  Of course, Murray is becoming a bit more experienced, and it shows that he is less likely to take off running.  As a result, his accuracy has improved.  He has completed 78 of 102 passes for 1005 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions. That is good enough for a 76.5 completion rate.

Well, that can also be said of the LA Rams quarterback, but that refers to newly acquired Matthew Stafford. Stafford has completed 66 of 94 passes for 942 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception. It’s that nearly flawless first three games that have propelled Stafford to be named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for two of the first three weeks in the NFL.

Key I: Stafford passes 300 yards and two touchdowns

The LA Rams got to their 3-0 record on the strength of Matthew Stafford’s passing arm. With that being said, there is no reason for the Rams to change course midstream. After all, there is far more to the Rams passing attack that has yet to see the football field. The Rams just got WR DeSean Jackson involved in Week 3.

Now it’s time for the Rams to get Robert Woods and Tyler Higbee more involved in the offense. The Rams have relied on both players in the past to ensure that defenses cannot key on just one player on any given Sunday.  In Week 4, the Cardinals would be foolish indeed if they did not direct their best coverage defensive back to defend Cooper Kupp, and try to cover DeSean Jackson with a cornerback with safety help over the top. That should free up either Woods, Higbee, or both.

Getting Stafford synched up with his receivers is a good place to start in any game. But if this one should turn into a shoot-out, it’s important for the Rams to be firing on all cylinders.