5 reasons why LA Rams cannot take Arizona Cardinals lightly

The LA Rams have a chance to even it all up this week, taking down a familiar foe who that Rams have found good success in the past. After all, the Rams seem to have a solid method of beating the Arizona Cardinals, and it is that past success that many believe will allow the Rams to find a victory once more.

But these are two very different teams from those past versions.

While the Arizona Cardinals (1-4) are by not means the San Francisco 49ers (5-0) or the Philadelphia Eagles (5-0), they are not exactly a team that has thrown all caution to the wind are are actively attempting to lose games. This is a team that may be a one win team, but that victory was a solid 28-16 beating of the Dallas Cowboys (3-2). Undoubtedly, the Cowboys did not view the Cardinals as capable of winning games this season.

The were proven wrong.

Rams have stars, Rams need consistency

In the end, the 2023 NFL season has been a bit chaotic for Rams fans. Even as the team has lost more games than it has won, the Rams have been far more competitive than expected. In terms of players to cheer for, there seems to be a wide range of stars who are new to the Rams fanbase.

Whether is rookie wide receiver Puka Nakua setting new rookie receiver records, or veteran defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon, there are players on this Rams team who are absolutely playing at a level that warrants postseason competition. The Rams rely on the defensive play of rookie NT Kobie Turner, rookie OLB Byron Young, and veteran ILB Ernest Jones to help All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald squelch opposing offenses.

The LA Rams offensive line may be trying to find its groove, but the team may have stumbled onto a secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices in the current iteration of Alaric Jackson, Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson, and Rob Havenstein. But now that the Rams have a solid configuration, the team must do some damage behind them. That means running the football. That means protecting the quarterback. And finally, it means stringing together some wins.