St. Louis Rams up for challenge as Arizona Cardinals look to stretch winning streak – NFL Preview
After having their one of the best starts to the season, Arizona Cardinals are hoping to add another victory to their winning streak as they face St. Louis Rams in Week 5 game on Thursday, October 04, 2012, at Edward Jones Dome in their second road game
of the season.
Cardinals have so far defeated Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins and currently leading National Football Conference (NFC) West, leaving behind San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Rams.
Their offence is led by quarterback Kevin Kolb, who took over the responsibilities after injury to John Skelton in Week 1 game and has so far proven to be the perfect replacement.
Defensively, Cardinals are even stronger and have relied on this department for many victories this year.
The Cards do not tend to generate more scoring opportunities and register many points, but they suffocate their opponents in such a way that 20-25 points win games for them.
It is a short weekend for both Rams and Cardinals. They played their respective Week 4 games on Sunday, September 30, and are now scheduled to face each other for Thursday Night Football.
Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald said of short week of practice:
“(A short week) is pretty tough, but I think everyone in this locker room feels the same way – we’ve put together four decent games and are in position to be 4-0 and have an opportunity to play on national TV in front of the masses. I think guys are relishing
the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Rams, who have the home-field advantage against the Cards, are also brimming with confidence, especially after their recent victory over Seattle Seahawks.
It was Rams’ second win of the season, matching the total number of victories they got in the 2011 season. They are 2-2 after four games and could improve their ranking further in NFC West if they get a few more victories.
Meanwhile, Rams are aware of the stiff challenge they face against Cardinals. Head coach Jeff Fisher has pinpointed some areas for improvement that can help his players outclass Cardinals.
Fisher has urged his defence to add pressure on Kolb and not allow Cardinals to freely execute their passing game. Fisher believes that passing game is Cardinals’ strength and if Rams are able to restrict it on Thursday they can have a healthy advantage
against Rams.
Also, Fisher has put emphasis on the offensive line, seeking more productivity from it, especially on third and fourth downs. He said:
“We have to play better offensively. We haven’t been scoring touchdowns like we should and that’s the reason. Once you get to that point where you are able to score against really good defences then I think you can expect good things out of this team.”
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