How Rams, Cardinals compare
LAST YEAR: The teams split the season series, each winning on the road. The Rams handed the Cardinals one of their three regular-season defeats by winning at Arizona, 24-22, in Week 4. Cardinals rookie David Johnson fumbled the opening kickoff and the Rams converted the turnover into a touchdown. Though the Cardinals outgained the Rams, 447 yards to 328, the visitors had a 3-0 turnover advantage. In Week 13, the Cardinals avenged the loss with a 27-3 victory at St. Louis as Carson Palmer passed for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson, making the first start of his career, ran for 99 yards and caught a touchdown pass.
WHAT’S CHANGED: Very little has changed on the offensive side for the Cardinals, who return every player who either gained a yard or scored a point for their top-ranked offense last season. (All 23 of their coaches are back too.) Needing to beef up its pass rush, Arizona traded for New England Patriots linebacker Chandler Jones and used a first-round pick on defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche. There have been changes in the Arizona secondary, with the addition of safety Tyvon Branch and subtraction of safety Rashad Johnson (Tennessee Titans) and cornerback Jerraud Powers (Baltimore Ravens). The Rams traded up to the No. 1 spot to select Cal quarterback Jared Goff and added receiver Pharoh Cooper and tight end Tyler Higbee. They also let go familiar defensive fixtures in end Chris Long and linebacker James Laurinaitis. Gone too is cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who signed with the New York Giants, and safety Rodney McLeod, now in Philadelphia.
MATCHING UP: Though the Cardinals have won four of the last five meetings, these games are typically close. Since 1937, the series favors the Cardinals ever so slightly, 37-36-2. Both teams formerly were based in St. Louis.
WHEN THEY MEET: The Rams play at Arizona on Oct. 2 in what will be the season’s first NFC West game for the Cardinals. (The Rams open the season with consecutive games against division foes.) On New Year’s Day, the Cardinals and Rams will close the regular season at the Coliseum.