5 reasons why LA Rams cannot take Arizona Cardinals lightly

Reason IV: Cardinals defense has 15 quarterback sacks

Even as the LA Rams are almost certainly planning to test the vulnerable Cardinals' secondary in Week 6, the Cardinals' pass defense has its own set of dangers. The Cardinals' defense creates a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In fact, despite just five games into the season, the Cardinals boats three players with multiple quarterback sacks.

The Cardinals have gotten better than a quarterback sack per game from the strongside linebacker position. Starting SLB Dennis Gardeck has 4.0 quarterback sacks. When he is resting on the bench, don't look for any relief, as his backup Victor Dimukeje has already registered 2.5 quarterback sacks in 2023. The Cardinals round out their quarterback assault with left defensive end Zaven Collins with 2.5 quarterback sacks as well.

Is this an ideal setup for Tutu Atwell?

The Cardinals will give up passing yards, and you know that is all the Rams need to commit to a heavy pass play game plan. The Cardinals secondary has allowed an average of 251.4 passing yards per game. The Rams passing offense has averaged 270.0 passing yards per game, and this team has one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in veteran WR Cooper Kupp pairing up with rookie WR Puka Nacua.

While the Cardinals' defensive backs will scurry to stay close to both Kupp and Nacua, I like the matchup of WR Tutu Atwell in this one. The Cardinals secondary have given up the big plays, with a longest pass play of 63 yards. You have to expect the Rams to test the back end of this Cardinals defense.

Of course, the Rams will need to slow down that Cardinals pass rush. That can happen if the Rams are savvy enough to mix in enough running plays to keep the Cardinals defense honest. So far, the Rams has struggled to accomplish that offensive balance. Hopefully, the Rams can find that balance in this one.