By Joe Torosian
Week Three: Final Score
Rams 24, Cardinals 14
If last week’s games ended with the third quarter, the Rams would be overwhelming favorites to win this week in Phoenix.
As it is, the Rams are favored–roughly–by a field goal. I like LA by ten.
The Cards are less than so-so at getting to the quarterback and about the same against the run.
Kyler Murray
Offensively, Kyler Murray’s legs help the offensive line in its grades, but everything is dependent on Murray.
The key is containment. The Rams’ deficiencies at cornerback won’t be exploited if Murray is boxed in. Also, historically, when Murray gets popped a few times, he reaches a point where he doesn’t want anymore.
The Rams aren’t running the ball well, but they haven’t committed to it. They have an opportunity this week and should pound it behind Alaric Jackson and Rob Havenstein.
The Raiders’ defense was exhausted at the end of last week’s game, which opened the door for Murray to be Murray. So if the Rams can run the ball, eat time, and keep their defense fresh, Murray won’t be able to get loose—too often.
And, of course, a running game with even modest success will open everything else up for Matthew Stafford.
Last Add Cardinals: We said before the start of the season that James Conner had a lot of mileage, and it was foolish to count on him to deliver in 2022 as he did in 2021.
He can still play this week, but it will be a game-time decision.
***
What’s New?
Kendall Blanton is back…on the Active Roster.
Also added:
Guard, Oday Aboushi
Edge, Talk McKinley
DB, Shaun Jolly
Troy Hill: Out for four weeks. (Didn’t we talk about this guy as well not being someone to count on?)
Brycen Hopkins: Suspended three weeks for substance abuse.
Tremayne Anchrum Jr.: Gone for the season.
Keir Thomas released.
Malcolm Brown is back…on the Practice Squad.
Gone From Practice Squad:
Daniel Isom
Trey Ragas
Benton Whitley
***
All Time:
Rams lead their head-to-heads with the Cardinals, 49-39-2.
Sean McVay is 10-1 against the Arizona.
The Rams haven’t lost in Arizona since 11/9/2014. Austin Davis was the starting quarterback that day, he threw two picks, and was sacked six times in a 31-14 defeat.
Finally:
On this day (9/23) in 1973, the Rams beat the Falcons, 31-0, at the Coliseum. John Hadl threw touchdown passes to Harold Jackson and Jack Snow, but the defense was the star.
Besides pitching a shutout, the Falcons only registered two first downs, limited quarterback Dick Shiner to 17 passing yards, and only 70 yards of total offense.
A week before in the 1973 season opener, Atlanta beat New Orleans, 62-7.
***
Week 3 Around The NFL: (Winners in BOLD)
Browns 29, Steelers 17: Cleveland should be 3-0, and Trubisky should be on the bench.
Bills-Dolphins
Bengals-Jets
Raiders-Titans
Saints-Panthers
Ravens-Patriots
Lions-Vikings
Eagles-Commanders
Chiefs-Colts
Texans-Bears
Jaguars-Chargers
Packers-Buccaneers
Falcons-Seahawks
49ers-Broncos
Cowboys-Giants
***
HC Hot Seats:
***Raiders will be 0-3 on Monday morning, but Josh McDaniels will be okay.
***Panthers are going to be 0-3, and Matt Rhule is about to get Frosted.
***A close loss to the Chiefs will be okay. But a 42-7 loss to KC, in Lucas Oil, and Frank Reich might be checking the want ads.
***If Miami beats Buffalo at home, it’s going to go from “Brian Flores?” to “Brian, who?”
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