LA Rams Week 4 Halftime: Turnovers plaguing Rams in high scoring affair.

The LA Rams are in for a shootout in this one. And they are feeling a bit generous, having given up the ball two times already. This is a game of gimmes. The LA Rams gave the ball away when Matthew Stafford tried to connect with WR DeSean Jackson deep, only to be picked off by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy.

The Arizona Cardinals were able to drive the ball down for the go-ahead score.

The LA Rams pulled it together and responded with their own touchdown score.  That set the score at 10-7. Would it be enough to pull ahead in this one? Buckle up, we have some bad news.

Too much defense, too little offense

Would the Rams defense stiffen up? Not yet. The Cardinals got the football and proceeded to move the football right down the field. The Cardinals offense has used six receivers in the first half, and they have gotten big yardage out of runs from Chase Edwards and Kyler Murray.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Rams attempted to move the ball via the running game. But RB Sony Michel ran into the line, and a Cardinals defender punched the ball out. That was the second gift turnover.

As before, the Cardinals found themselves with the football quickly, and the LA Rams defense was back on the field again at the 21-yard line. It only took the Arizona Cardinals five plays to punch the ball into the end zone.

Rams chasing the Cardinals in this one

In the first half, the LA Rams were trailing by double digits before Matt Gay kicked his second field goal to pull the team to within one touchdown. Matthew Stafford has thrown 11 of 21 for 145 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The Rams are rushing somewhat effectively, running 13 times for 78 yards. But another blemish, the Rams fumbled the football. But where is Cooper Kupp? As expected, the Cardinals are defending him well. Out of seven targets, Kupp has just two receptions for 40 yards. DeSean Jackson? Two targets, no receptions, and one interception.

On the Arizona Cardinals’ side, their offense has played nearly flawless football. QB Kyler Murray has thrown 17 of 23 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. The Cardinals have found plenty of running room, rushing 18 times for 101 yards and one rushing touchdown.

The Cardinals have involved seven different receivers in the passing game. While the Cardinals’ offensive line has struggled to form a pocket, Murray has been able to run away from pressure, and either complete passes or pull the ball down and run for the first down.

Many scoffed at the need for Matthew Stafford to lead the Rams to a comeback victory. Well, here we are in Week 4, and the Rams trail in this one.