Chandler Jones is a three-time Pro-Bowler and one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history. His ability to solve problems is a reason for his career success.
With the Cardinals set to host the Rams on "Monday Night Football," Jones is trying to figure out another problem: Why have the Cardinals been excellent on the road but not so much at State Farm Stadium?
"I'm still trying to figure out what the difference is," Jones said. "Being one of the leaders and captains on this team, I feel like it's my job to make more plays at home.
"So put some of that weight on my shoulders to go out there and make more plays, so our team can have more spark plays to maybe rejuvenate the team."
The Cardinals, owners of the league's best record, have been historically good on the road this season. They are just the second team in NFL history to win its first seven road games, all by double digits. New England is the only other unbeaten team on the road this season.
The Cards are 3-2 at home this season. Their only two losses this season have come against Green Bay and Carolina at home. The offense, which is tied with Minnesota for the second-fewest giveaways in the NFL, turned it over a combined four times in those defeats.
Coach Kliff Kingsbury said he has no idea why the Cardinals have played much better on the road than when at home. Quarterback Kyler Murray echoed Kingsbury in that regard, emphasizing the need to figure that out with three home games left.
"That's something that has to be different than it has been," Murray said. "We've got to somehow bring that type of (road) energy because what we've been doing hasn't been working."
BUDDA BAKER MISSES PRACTICE FOR BIRTH OF CHILD
Budda Baker did not practice Saturday with the soon expectancy of his child, and announced on Twitter late Saturday afternoon his daughter had been born.
Defensive lineman Zach Kerr did not practice on Saturday and has been ruled out (ribs) for Monday's game. Guard Justin Pugh (calf) was limited in practice, and Kingsbury said Pugh would be a game-day decision.
Kingsbury said the same went for running back Chase Edmonds and long snapper Aaron Brewer, each of whom remain on IR.
For the Rams, offensive lineman Brian Allen (knee) is listed as doubtful. while cornerback Donte Deayon (illness) and linebacker Terrell Lewis (back) are questionable. The Rams also put running back Darrell Henderson on the Covid list Saturday, meaning he will miss the game.
SCOREBOARD WATCHING WITH SOME SUNDAY FREE TIME
With the Cardinals playing Week 14 on Monday Night Football, defensive lineman Corey Peters said he plans to relax Sunday and watch the football games, especially teams closer to them in the standings.
It isn't unusual, Peters said, to watch some of the morning games in the locker room when the Cardinals have an afternoon game on Sunday. The Cards do have some meetings Sunday, but will have time to watch if they want.
"I'm going to tune in to some of the football games," Peters said. "I think guys kind of keep an eye out for the standings and the teams we want to put some distance between them and us for seedings purposes."
