The Los Angeles Rams are in a winning behavior for a second week in a row. They improve to 2-0 following their 34-0 victory over the division rival Arizona Cardinals.
The talent gap between the two teams was evident early on. Both teams had their first two drives end in punts. However, where the Cardinals drives would end without much potential, the Rams gave a different energy.
It felt like there was something coming and that they would eventually break through. Which is exactly what they did at the tail end of the first quarter and start of the second. They put up the first points of the game courtesy of running back Todd Gurley.
Kicker Greg Zuerlein was out for this game due to a leg injury so the Rams offensive strategy became a lot more bold. Fourth downs were officially an option if manageable, and going for two was practically a give in.
The Rams were able to take what they wanted throughout most of the game. Arizona’s main point of resistance was in the running game. They did not let Gurley get into a flow throughout the game.
He had 19 carries for 42 yards and 2.2 yards per carry. Although, he was able to make it work in the red zone where it matters most with three touchdowns. He also had three receptions for 31 yards.
The Cardinals were able to slow Gurley but nobody else. Rams quarterback Jared Goff was 24 of 32 for 354 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
His connection with wide receiver Brandin Cooks was giving the Cardinals headaches all afternoon. Cooks had seven receptions for 159 yards.
The Cardinals defense was a step slower than the Rams offense for most of the day. It was the same for the Cardinals offense as well.
They were only able to muster 137 total yards and put up zero points. The Cardinals could not get any of their primary playmakers going.
Running back David Johnson had 13 carries for 48 yards and 3.7 yards per carry. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald had three receptions for 28 yards. Then quarterback Sam Bradford was 17 of 27 for 90 yards and one interception.
There was little to the division rivalry in this matchup. The Cardinals are the lesser team in the division now falling to 0-2. The Rams were able to further establish their dominance by improving to 2-0 and getting their first home win.
Arizona will be looking to get its first win next week against the Chicago Bears. While the Rams will face a tough opponent in the Los Angeles Chargers.
Brendan Abban is the creator/owner of brendanabban.com and hosts the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @AbbanBrendan or email him via [email protected].
