But the Cardinals defense also will be in the spotlight Sunday after giving up at least 30 points in all six meetings over three seasons against a Sean McVay-coached Rams team.
“We can’t worry about how streaky they can be,” Cardinals linebacker De’Vondre Campbell said. “When they are clicking, they are a really good football team.”
This season, the Cardinals’ defense is giving up 227.2 yards passing per game, 13th best in the NFL. It is a vast improvement from last season, when the Cardinals gave up 281.9 yards passing per game, second worst in the league.
The Cardinals, no doubt, like what they are seeing on this week’s game films. Rams opponents are starting to figure out what was considered just two years ago as a cutting-edge offense designed by McVay.
Rams quarterback Jared Goff lost a fumble in Sunday’s defeat to the 49ers and threw two interceptions. One was returned for a touchdown. After the game, McVay said his quarterback has to take better care of the football. He did not back away from that statement this week.
“I know he can handle it, and I know he can acknowledge it, and we can all be honest about the expectations,” McVay said. “And I’m not going to apologize for the high expectations that I have in him.”
Goff agreed.
“I’m a big boy,” he said. “I can handle it.”
The Rams are expected to have outside linebacker Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (elbow) back on the field for the first time since Week 4, but linebacker Terrell Lewis (knee) did not practice Wednesday.
The Cardinals were without offensive lineman Justin Pugh (ankle) and safeties Jalen Thompson (ankle) and Charles Washington (groin) on Wednesday. Murray (right shoulder) was limited in practice but is expected to play.
–Field Level Media
