After a disappointing end to Week 5, the Los Angeles Rams look to get back in the win column against the Arizona Cardinals.
Week 6 Preview: Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams
“I love Mike [LaFleur], and it’s about the Rams versus the Cardinals, and we’re going to try to get after him as good as we can this week,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said about facing the Cardinals.
The Rams will face the Cardinals in the first matchup against former Los Angeles offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur. LaFleur spent the past two seasons as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, and now they will face off for the first time since LaFleur became Arizona’s head coach.
Last week, the Los Angeles Rams had a great offensive game. The offense was electric as the game became a barnburner. Buffalo and their quarterback Josh Allen were unstoppable on the ground and got the best of the Los Angeles defense.
This week, the Rams face the Arizona Cardinals, who are currently 1-4 and on a three-game losing streak. While the Rams must approach every game with the same level of preparation, the Cardinals are an easier opponent than the Bills.
Although the Cardinals are an easier matchup, they still have plenty of playmakers. Michael Wilson, Jeremiyah Love and Trey McBride are a few of their top tier players who can change the game at a moment’s notice.
The Cardinals quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, is an experienced veteran who can play his best at any moment. Last season, the journeyman threw for over 3,300 yards with 23 touchdowns – both career highs.
The Cardinals are a wildcard on any given game, but the Rams should be able to handle Arizona easily.
Team Updates
After the Week 5 loss to the Bills, the Rams made big changes, specifically to the special teams unit. Rams released kicker Harrison Mevis after his poor performance. Mevis missed a 50-yard field attempt and also had a game leading 48-yard field goal blocked in overtime. Rams also released returner and wide receiver Xavier Smith – marred by his costly turnover in the NFC championship game last season.
The Rams signed Blake Grupe off the New York Jets’ practice squad as a replacement. Last season, he played for the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints, going 29 for 37 with a long of 60 yards.
The Rams’ special teams has been the league’s worst under McVay since he became head coach. McVay stood behind his special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone after the loss.
“I have a lot of confidence in Bubba Ventrone,” said McVay on Tuesday. “There are no changes that are going to be made there. We’re going to keep working. This isn’t the first time that we’ve had adversity and the first time that we’ve had some different things that I have to do a better job of.”
Following Monday Night’s game, the NFL suspended Rams starting left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games after he threw a punch at Bills edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Jackson appealed and his suspension was reduced to one game. Jackson will miss this week’s matchup against the Cardinals before returning next week against the Las Vegas Raiders.
While no players have been listed out for the game, several were on the injury report or missed practice this week. Tight end Davis Allen was listed as Did Not Participate (DNP) due to a foot injury, and Omar Speights, Nate Landman, Colby Parkinson and Kam Curl were all limited participants.
The Last Word
Even though the Rams are 2-3, they are still in a good place. The next five games are all winnable, they must remain focused on their opponent each week. The Rams have started 2-3 or worse in four of their six seasons with quarterback Matthew Stafford. In 2023, the Rams started 2-3 and the following year saw a 1-4 start. Despite the slow starts, the Rams made the playoffs in both seasons.
The Rams are also waiting on the return of Myles Garrett to pair his extraordinary talents with Aaron Donald.
The Rams still have a tough task ahead and need to focus on coming away with a victory on Sunday.
More Los Angeles Rams News:
Buffalo Stampede: Bills Trample the Los Angeles Rams on the Road
Week 5 Preview: Los Angeles Rams vs Buffalo Bills
A Look at the Los Angeles Rams After Week 4
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images