Battered, bruised and out for revenge: Can the Rams survive another Cardinals showdown?
The PlaybookThe Los Angeles Rams are beginning to resemble the Black Knight from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Their arms have been chopped off, their legs are missing, and they’re bleeding all over the battlefield.Yet Sean McVay is still standing on the sideline screaming, “’Tis but a scratch!”Welcome to Rams-Cardinals Part Deux, where the only thing longer than the injury report is the list of excuses neither team wants to hear.Five weeks after Arizona stunned Los Angeles with an 18-16 walk-off victory at SoFi Stadium, the NFC West rivals reunite Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., for a rematch that could determine whether the Rams enter their bye week riding a four-game winning streak or reliving their most embarrassing loss of the season.That Week 6 defeat still haunts McVay.
His defense didn’t surrender a touchdown, but six Arizona field goals were enough to bury the Rams.Los Angeles took the lead with 46 seconds remaining, only to watch the Cardinals march downfield, aided by a questionable officiating decision, and steal the game as time expired.Now the Rams (5-4) want revenge.
Unfortunately, they’re bringing what amounts to a skeleton crew to the battlefield.Puka Nacua is sidelined with a knee injury.Davante Adams remains on injured reserve with a ruptured hamstring.
Tight end Terrance Ferguson is out, and left guard Steve Avila’s hamstring injury leaves another hole in an offensive line tasked with protecting 38-year-old Matthew Stafford.It’s enough to make McVay wish he could borrow a few healthy bodies from the practice squad, the parking lot or the concession stands.Arizona (3-6) isn’t exactly swimming in good fortune, either.Starting quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered a season-ending elbow injury, while leading receiver Michael Wilson is done for the year with a neck fracture.Rookie Carson Beck, a third-round pick, is expected to make his first NFL start against a defense featuring Aaron Donald and Myles Ga...