A glance at five top storylines for the Cardinals-Rams game Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.:
Protecting Palmer
Everyone has heard it by now – the Rams had eight sacks last week, and they have 13 sacks in the last three games. Defensive end Robert Quinn is rounding into form. The pass rush is good. But the Cardinals' pass protection – which includes more than just the line, it includes execution of plays, including from QB Carson Palmer – has been pretty good too. The Cards have given up only 13 sacks all season. Palmer has done a nice job moving in the pocket to buy time and avoid takedowns. This line is better overall than the one Quinn has eaten up the last couple of years, starting with the addition of left tackle Jared Veldheer. As OC Harold Goodwin has said, it's going to be a challenge, but the Cardinals have the ability to be up to the challenge.
Bowles' turn at Austin Davis
The Rams' rookie quarterback has done OK. He's not spectacular but he's not overwhelmed either -- at least, he hasn't been to this point. As good as some of the defenses he has seen have been, like the Niners and Seahawks, he hasn't come up against the devious mind of Todd Bowles, who through necessity has produced a ton of different schemes and looks that can confuse veteran QBs, much less inexperienced rookies. The Cardinals will attack the Rams' run first – but Davis is going to have to decipher some new looks.
Ellington as engine
His foot isn't 100 percent and he doesn't have a 100-yard rushing game yet. But he's on pace for 1,000 yards rushing and more than 1,600 yards rushing and receiving. He more than any other offensive player this side of Palmer is at the heart what the offense will become. His touches have jumped the last three games as the Cardinals see more opportunities to get the running game going. In a game where the Rams can generate a big pass rush, the chance to get Ellington loose on the ground would be welcome.
Beware of trickeration
When the Rams beat the Seahawks, it was in large part because of a trick punt return and a fake punt. The Rams have the plays in the playbook and a head coach in Jeff Fisher who is not afraid to call them – on any part of the field. Trick plays often are used as an equalizer for teams that are undermanned. If the Cardinals are smart, they'll be ready – and they should be able to neutralize anything St. Louis might spring.
Images of past matchups between the Cardinals and this week's opponent, the Rams
1966: Cardinals QB Charley Johnson at the line
1970: Rams RB Willie Ellis runs as LB Larry Stallings attempts to bring him down
1975: TE J.V. Cain catches a pass with Rams LB Isiah Robertson in pursuit
1975: Rams RB Lawrence McCutcheon carries the ball
1976: Rams QB Pat Haden drops back
1979: Cardinals RB Ottis Anderson rushes the ball
1985: Rams RB Eric Dickerson with the ball
1989: The Rams' Willie Anderson catches the ball as the Cardinals' Carl Carter defends
1994: CB Aeneas Williams covers Rams WR Flipper Anderson
2002: Rams K Jeff Wilkins boots a field goal as Duane Starks comes around the edge
2003: CB Aeneas Williams on the Rams
2004: RB Emmitt Smith stretches for a TD
2004: QB Josh McCown rushes for a score
2005: Darnell Dockett (top) and James Darling sandwich Rams QB Marc Bulger
2005: QB Kurt Warner with former teammate Isaac Bruce
2006: Rams WR Torry Holt goes for the catch above Cardinals S Antrel Rolle
2007: WR Larry Fitzgerald hauls in a touchdown
2008: DT Darnell Dockett with a division champion towel
2008: Rams RB Steven Jackson stopped by multiple Cardinals
2009: CB Michael Adams battles with Rams WR Brandon Gibson
2009: C Lyle Sendlein
2010: Rams QB Sam Bradford gets rid of the ball
2010: WR Larry Fitzgerald is congratulated after a touchdown
2011: DE Calais Campbell blocks a field goal
2011: CB Patrick Peterson soaks in his game-winning touchdown in overtime
2011: CB Patrick Peterson returns a punt for a touchdown
2012: RB Beanie Wells runs for a score
2012: QB Kevin Kolb is sacked by Rams DT Jermelle Cudjo
2012: Quentin Groves strips Rams QB Sam Bradford
2013: LB John Abraham sacks Rams QB Kellen Clemens for a safety
2013: S Tyrann Mathieu forces a fumble of Rams TE Jared Cook
2014: WR Larry Fitzgerald celebrates a reception
2014: QB Carson Palmer gets carted off after tearing his ACL
2014: CB Patrick Peterson returns an interception for a touchdown
2014: WR John Brown catches the go-ahead touchdown
How the West was won
The 7-1 record is nice. But the bottom line for the Cardinals is that they still have five division games left out of eight, which can still turn this around on the Cards – not in a good way. Last year the Cards' season was pockmarked with a 2-4 division record, which ultimately cost them. To win the NFC West, not to mention a possible run at winning the NFC, the Cardinals have to take care of their division games especially at home.
