[RedAlice]

The very first time I made a game day thread, was our first game home in LA. I remember being very emotional about it.

I kinda feel the same way now. A lot of football stuff can be said, and many of you are smarter than me on that…..I am still on a high from being at last week’s game. This is why we came home.

To win.

Stafford is our boy, our man, our QB. McVay’s dorky excitement is contagious, and this strong Offense is what our D needed.

99 is too damn good for him not to win a SB or two, and we may be on our way to that. Still a lot of football to play tho….and next up is the Cards w Murray on fire.

Let’s go!

I will add: the media story is Brady playing in NE. The game that matters this week tho is ours. Winning the brutal NFCW is all that matters and this is Game 1.

Cards fan forums:

https://arizonacardinals.freeforums.net/

Their game thread:
https://arizonacardinals.freeforums.net ... ls-angeles
Good read. They are documenting our history. Some cool videos.

[RedAlice]

[AvengerRam]

Rams 31
Cardinals 20

[ziggy]

I have a slight concern this might end up as a trap game. Or at least one of those, "can't have a perfect season" games. I just think we need to put the game away early and far (like +14 or more.)

I don't think the Rams have ever under-estimated an opponent-- but that thrashing from the Ravens in 2019 still stings. In that game, they played fast and we couldn't keep up.

The Cardinals are not the (2019) Ravens, not even close, but they've got a mini (faster) Lamar in Kyler Murray. Lately, he's been lighting it up via audibles, using his legs, and improvisation after the play breaks down.

It's definite a sturdy test of the speed of our defense.

[AvengerRam]

Most of Murray's numbers have been very good thus far, but he does have 4 interceptions and an INT% of 3.9, which is at the bottom of the league (only youngsters Zach Wilson, Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow are below him in these categories). If the Rams can pressure him and get him to turn the ball over, that could be a big factor.

[RedAlice]

Most of Murray's numbers have been very good thus far, but he does have 4 interceptions and an INT% of 3.9, which is at the bottom of the league (only youngsters Zach Wilson, Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow are below him in these categories). If the Rams can pressure him and get him to turn the ball over, that could be a big factor.

Definitely need to pressure him early. Also, has he ever beaten the Rams?

[HopHead Ram]

I don't see this as a trap game at all. Undefeated team and the first divisional game. This is a good Cardinal's team , they have beat some good teams and the Jaguars. This is going to be a real test of Morris' ability to scheme and adapt.

[ziggy]

I absolutely agree with your assessment and POV. I hope all the players and coaches see it that same way (I think they do!)

It just has a feel of a trap game because we executed well against the Bucs as the underdog and we've traditionally had such success against the Cardinals. They could easily sneak in and steal one from us if we aren't 100% on and treat this game with the urgency it deserves.

Its a divisional game against a leading rival. We've gotta play with urgency.

[AvengerRam]

Definitely need to pressure him early. Also, has he ever beaten the Rams?

Nope. In fact, the Cardinals are 0 for McVay.

[HopHead Ram]

This team just seems hyper focused. I think the possibility of playing in a Superbowl in their home stadium will keep that focus. I think that had a lot to do with the Bucs last season and will play into the Rams this season. I also think now that they have fully experienced what a pseudo-playoff game atmosphere feels like at SoFi. Having that home field advantage throughout the playoffs becomes that more important because they now know they have a bona-fide home field advantage (and a tie breaker against the reigning champs in the books)
They will drop a few but I don't think it's this week.
Rams 34
Cards 27