LOS ANGELES – The Cardinals weren't this close to the Pacific Ocean for their opener, but nonetheless, it felt like they were trucked by a wave.
The Redskins were crisp on offense and stout on defense last Sunday at State Farm Stadium, jumping out to a 21-0 halftime lead and cruising to the win.
The loss left a bad taste in the Cardinals' mouths, and as they head west for a tough Week 2 matchup against the Rams, it's critical they wash it out.
"We're a little salty right now," defensive coordinator Al Holcomb said. "We've got to come out prepared to play. It's a tremendous challenge in front of us, but a great opportunity at the same time. We have to come out and play our brand of football like we're capable of playing."
Within the locker room, there is confidence that a series of quick fixes can result in a vastly better showing against the Rams. While the Cardinals find themselves near the bottom of most league-wide power rankings, they are intent on proving the first game was an aberration.
"That's not how we want to be portrayed throughout the league," Bethea said. "We've got to come out in Week 2 and play much better."
Coach Steve Wilks said the defense might have been too amped up in the opener, as players abandoned gap integrity to try to make a big play. That seems easily fixable, but the bigger concern may be the lack of physicality, as the Cardinals must show they can hold up against a strong Rams rushing attack, led by Todd Gurley.
"This is going to be a physical run game this week," Wilks said. "Those guys do a great job of really coming off the ball, trying to get to the second level. So we've got to play downhill."
The offense only ran 14 plays in the first half against the Redskins and never found a rhythm. It went three-and-out on two of the three possessions as quarterback Sam Bradford had 11 passing yards at intermission. Running back David Johnson and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald were featured weapons as the game went along, but no other skill player made a huge impact.
Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones hopes to produce against Los Angeles, while Christian Kirk and Chad Williams figure to get more opportunities after quiet debuts.
"We targeted Larry a lot last week, but I think those other guys are more than capable of making plays," Wilks said. "We've got to spread it around."
The Rams won the NFC West a year ago and then loaded up this offseason, adding wide receiver Brandin Cooks, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, cornerback Marcus Peters and cornerback Aqib Talib, among others.
They looked as advertised in a season-opening win over the Raiders and now return to L.A. for their home opener. Judging by last week's outcomes, the Cardinals will have a tough time against the Rams, but Wilks has seen fortunes change quickly in the NFL.
"This is a week-to-week business," Wilks said. "I learned this a long time ago. You can never get too high; you can never get too low. You've got to stay the course. We came back and bounced back on Monday. Guys didn't sit around and start licking their wounds. We're going to kick the ball off Sunday in L.A., so we've got to be ready to play."
Images of past matchups between the Cardinals and this week's opponent, the Los Angeles Rams
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Charley Johnson (12) prepares to take the snap from center during an NFL pre-season game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, Aug. 27, 1966. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-14.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Charley Johnson (12) listens to head coach Charley Winner on the sidelines during an NFL pre-season game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, Aug. 27, 1966. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-14.
Los Angeles Rams Lamar Lundy (85) looms over and starts to come down on scrambling St. Louis Cardinal Quarterback Jim Hart in the first period, Sept. 17, 1968, St. Louis, Mo. Lundy and other Rams spent a good part of the night in the company of Jim Hart as the Rams won 24-13. The rest of the players are unidentified.
St. Louis Football Cardinal Willis Crenshaw (33) drives in for extra yardage as the Los Angeles Rams hang on, Sept. 16, 1968, St. Louis, Mo. Crenshaw made 11 yards and first down on the first quarter play, before being tripped up by Ed Meador (21).
Running back Willie Ellis of the Rams breaks past a St. Louis Cardinals tackler as he rambled 18 yards in the teams NFL opener at Los Angeles, on Sept. 19, 1970. Linebacker Larry Stallings is in right foreground. Los Angeles won, 34-13.
A St. Louis Cardinals defender tackles Los Angeles back Lawrence McCutcheon (30) after a 15 yard gain during action in game on Saturday, Dec. 27, 1975 in Los Angeles. McCutcheon gained 202 yards on 37 carries as the Rams won 35-23. In the background is Charlie Davis of the Cardinals.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart (17) eludes Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Fred Dryer (89) during a 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff Game in Los Angeles, Dec. 27, 1975. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 35-23.
St. Louis Cardinals running back Terry Metcalf (21) returns a kick during the 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, Dec. 27, 1975. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 35-23.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart (17) confers with head coach Don Coryell and offensive line coach Jim Hanifan during a 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, Dec. 27, 1975. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 35-23.
St. Louis Cardinals head coach Don Coryell confers with running back Jim Otis (35) during a 1975 NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, Dec. 27, 1975. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 35-23.
St. Louis Cardinals running back Terry Metcalf (21) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles on Nov. 14, 1976. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 30-28.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart (17) sets up to pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams in Los Angeles, Sept. 30, 1979. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 21-0.
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Neil Lomax (15) watches from the sideline during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, Calif., on Dec. 15, 1981. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 46-14.
Willie Anderson, left, of the Los Angeles Rams, leaps high in front of Phoenix Cardinals defender Carl Carter, and runs into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown with 20 seconds remaining in the game at Anaheim Stadium, Aug. 22, 1989.
Phoenix Cardinals running back Tony Jordan, left, goes up and over a host of Los Angeles Rams defenders including tackle Kevin Greene, right, for a short gain during the first quarter of the NFL exhibition game at Anaheim Stadium, Aug. 21, 1989.
Arizona Cardinals Hall of Fame cornerback Aeneas Williams (35) defends a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Flipper Anderson (83) during an NFL game in Anaheim, Sept. 4, 1994. The Rams defeated the Cardinals.
Arizona Cardinals defender Eric Hill, right, stops Los Angeles Rams running back Jerome Bettis after a three yard gain in the second quarter of their game in Anaheim, Calif., Sept. 4, 1994. Assisting on the play is Cardinals Chris Oldham, left. The Rams won 14-12.
Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith reaches into the end zone for the Cardinal's first touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in St. Louis, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004. The Rams prevailed over the former hometown Cardinals 17-10.
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) pulls down a touchdown pass as St. Louis Rams' Travis Fisher defends during the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith, right, slips past the reach of St. Louis Rams' Ryan Pickett, left, in the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals' Josh McCown (12) scores a touchdown on a quarterback keeper during the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004, in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals Adrian Wilson (24) sacks St. Louis Rams' Marc Bulger in the second half Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005 in St. Louis. Bulger left the game with a bruised right shoulder.
St. Louis Rams defensive end Leonard Little celebrates after sacking the Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown (12) for a lost in the fourth quarter of their NFL game in St. Louis. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals by the final score of, 17-10.
Arizona Cardinals Bert Berry (92) watches as St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) gains yardage during the first quarter Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner is hurried by St. Louis Rams' Brandon Green (93) during the second quarter Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
St. Louis Rams' Pisa Tinoisamoa, rear, cannot bring down Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin (81) during the second quarter Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. The Rams won 17-12 despite Boldin's game high 119 yards.
Arizona Cardinals' Kurt Warner, left, hugs former teammate St. Louis Rams' Isaac Bruce after the game Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005 in St. Louis. Warner led the Cardinals to a 38-28 victory over the Rams.
Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald stiff-arms St. Louis Rams Mike Furrey after making a catch in the first half Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005 in St. Louis. Fitzgerald made nine catches for 104 yards and a touchdown as the Cardinals beat the Rams 38-28.
Arizona Cardinals' Matt Leinart (7) throws over St. Louis Rams' Pisa Tinoisamoa (50) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006, in St. Louis. Arizona won 34-20.
Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James (32) gains yards against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006.
St. Louis Rams Torry Holt, rear, pulls down a one handed catch for 13 yards as Arizona Cardinals Antrel Rolle defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006.
Arizona Cardinals Reggie Wells (74) celebrates during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, in St. Louis.
St. Louis Rams running back Brian Leonard, left, is hit by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Eric Green after catching a pass for a 4-yard gain during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, in St. Louis. Arizona won the game, 34-31.
Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner (13) throws downfield against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals running back Tim Hightower runs with the ball during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals' Kurt Warner celebrates with fans as he leaves the field after the Cardinals victory over the St. Louis Rams in an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 34-10 to clinch the NFC West Division title.
Arizona Cardinals' Darnell Dockett (90) returns a fumble recovery against the St. Louis Rams for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz.
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson, right, gets tangled up with Arizona Cardinals cornerback Michael Adams after catching a pass for a 16-yard gain during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in St. Louis. Arizona won 21-13.
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery, bottom, can't come up with a pass reception in the end zone as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie defends during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in St. Louis. Arizona won 21-13.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Early Doucet (80) picks up yards during the second half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 31-10.
Arizona Cardinals' Calais Campbell, middle, closes in on St. Louis Rams' Keith Null (9) for a sack as Rams' Mark Setterstrom, right, is unable to stop Campbell in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz.
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, left, scrambles before being sacked for a 7-yard loss by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell, right, during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals' Tim Hightower, middle, runs past St. Louis Rams' Darian Stewart (20) and Craig Dahl (43) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 19-6.
Arizona Cardinals' Tim Hightower (34) tries to get past St. Louis Rams' Chris Long (72) during an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 19-6.
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Brandon Gibson (11) is hit by Arizona Cardinals cornerback A.J. Jefferson (20) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) can't make the catch as St. Louis Rams strong safety Darian Stewart, rear, defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton, left, throws as St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Darell Scott defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Sam Acho celebrates after recovering a fumble during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) runs back the game winning touchdown during overtime of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 19-13.
St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, left, is sacked by Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Daryl Washington during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Paris Lenon (51) and inside linebacker Daryl Washington (58) get set to rush the passer during an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis.
St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins, left, breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu, right, knocks the ball out of the hands of St. Louis Rams tight end Jared Cook after Cook caught a 47-yard pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in St. Louis. Cardinals' Karlos Dansby recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback.
Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) during the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz.
St. Louis Rams' Kellen Clemens (10) tries to get away from Arizona Cardinals' John Abraham (55) as Abraham closes in for the sack during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 30-10.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) reacts after a first down gain against the St. Louis Rams during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 31-14.
St. Louis Rams quarterback Shaun Hill (14) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals' Larry Foote (50) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown, rear, pulls in a pass over St. Louis Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Stedman Bailey, right, is tackled by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jerraud Powers during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson celebrates after catching a 10-yard pass for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in St. Louis.
Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) and defensive end Frostee Rucker (92) celebrates Golden's sack of St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs against the St. Louis Rams during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals running back Kerwynn Williams runs with the ball during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in St. Louis.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz.
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley, right, pushes off Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Kevin Minter during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams free safety Maurice Alexander, right, tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, in Los Angeles.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams free safety Lamarcus Joyner (20) during the first half an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 22, 2017.
Arizona Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson (23) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Kayvon Webster (21) during the first half of an NFL football game at Twickenham Stadium in London, Sunday Oct. 22, 2017.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Blaine Gabbert (7) throws against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Ricky Seals-Jones (86) makes the catch as Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Mark Barron (26) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rams wide receiver JoJo Natson, left, is tackled by Cardinals defensive back Rudy Ford during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Los Angeles.
Rams wide receiver Robert Woods, left, is tackled by Cardinals defensive back Tre Boston during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Los Angeles.
Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) in action during a game against the the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Sep. 16, 2018 in Los Angeles.
Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Los Angeles.
