The Los Angeles Rams look to avoid another slow start when they host the Arizona Cardinals today. The Cardinals are looking for their second win of the season, with their first taking place at SoFi Stadium against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1.
If the Rams wish to avoid the same fate as the Chargers, they'll need to follow these five keys to victory.
Stafford to Nacua
There's no connection in the NFL as prolific, consistent, or as often called upon. On Sunday, it should be no different. The Cardinals have massive depth issues, and their defense needs to run. Nacua is an extension of their rushing attack, so their offense should be predicated on getting the ball to the All-Pro receiver and how they can use his common route patterns to set up chances for his teammates.
The offense does not work if Nacua is on the field and isn't getting the ball. He gets Matthew Stafford into rhythm, and these two will deliver when asked.
Keep the game out of the hands of the special teams
In any scenario where the special teams have to make a play to win or save the game, and there's an option to use the offense, choose the offense if the choice is practical for the situation. They have let down the team too many times and they're the reason why the team lost last week.
In the event the Rams have a chance to go for two and the win like last week, do not take the ball out of Stafford's hands.
Watch out for McBride and the quick out
The Rams should be doubling McBride anyway, but the Cardinals love to use him on quick throws, especially the quick out route. For some reason, the Rams have never been able to stop it, but there's an opportunity here to bait Brissett into throwing an interception.
He sees what he wants to see, and if the Rams can manufacture a false opening for McBride, Brissett will throw blind and into coverage.
LaFleur is trying to bait the safeties
This applies to Kam Kinchens in particular, but LaFleur will look to hit the underneath repeatedly before using a lesser-known player to attack the team deep, with McBride and Wilson being used as decoys. Watch out for double moves throughout, but if there's a situation where a safety has to make a play, especially on a bootleg, the Cardinals will be going for the touchdown.
Remember the name Teagan Quitoriano. He's the backup tight end who LaFleur will go to at some point.
Limit Bourne's yards after the catch
Rams fans know Kendrick Bourne very well from his time with the San Francisco 49ers. He's done well as the team's WR3, with his role now expanding ever since Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded. LaFleur will look to get the ball to him in unique ways to use his speed and ball-carrying skills to Arizona's advantage.
Watch out for quick passes underneath McBride and Wilson, long developing plays where pass catchers turn into downfield blockers, and anytime Bourne goes into motion, expect either a crossing route or a misdirection attack. They won't do it often, but they'll set up the look all game long, especially if Bourne gets a one-on-one matchup against Quentin Lake.
Don't be surprised if Bourne is lined up in the backfield at some point.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' 5 keys to victory vs. Cardinals in Week 6