October 2nd, 2012 
Mark Peterson 
Posted in 
The Rams face a shortened practice week due to this week’s Thursday night game. Typically on Monday the team will watch film, have a light practice, and heal up from the Sunday game. Tuesday, players usually get the day off, but not this week. Guys were getting Monday injury treatments Sunday after the game anticipating the short week. Of course the Cardinals are in the same boat (only worse). They will lose most of a day to travel to St Louis.
The Cardinals are 4-0, but they’re really not that imposing or impressive. They have a good defense and we have a good pass defense. They are perfect for us because surprisingly for an unbeaten team, they have an almost non-existent running game. This being said, they’ve still found a way to get it done every game this season. Let’s look at some of their offensive numbers:
| Total Yards | 1084 |
| Pass Yards | 812 |
| Rush | 272 |
| Pass % | 75% |
Their offense performs at a pretty consistent level (total yards per game are about the same except for a dip against the Patriots). 75% of their offensive performance comes from the passing game. Half of that comes from Larry Fitzgerald (245 yards, 2 TDs) and Andre Roberts (229 yards, 4 TDs). The Cardinals are custom made for the Rams. If we execute we could give the Cards their first loss of the season. Here are the same offensive stats for the Rams:
| Total Yards | 1148 |
| Pass Yards | 786 |
| Rush | 362 |
| Pass % | 68% |
Our rushing game is not that great, but it is present. Steven Jackson cannot be taken lightly so the Cardinals defense will not be able to solely focus on our passing game. Being a Rams fan this season has been a real roller coaster (even in the preseason). One week we think Fisher is a genius and the next we think we’re watching a 2011 replay. I think we can win this game, but once again, for the Rams it’s all about execution.
Keys to the game.
1) Continued improved performance by our O-line
2) Continued great pass defense by our LBs and DBs
3) Energy out our offensive weapons
4) A positive turnover ratio
5) More great kicking from Young Geezy
The Rams are playing this game Thursday night in Prime Time. Very exciting.
Go Rams!!!
