NFL Thursday Night Football: Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams
With three weeks left in the NFL's regular season, the NFC West showdown Thursday will feature the Arizona Cardinals (10-3) and the St. Louis Rams (6-7).
St. Louis Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin (11) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri/AP
It's a wild NFC West showdown this week as the on Thursday Night Football.
The surprising Cardinals (10-3) have led the NFC West for much of this season. But the Seattle Seahawks (9-4), following an early season stumble or two, have won three straight and are one game behind Arizona. A victory for the Cardinals over the NFC West cellar-dwelling Rams (6-7) is essential, but in no way guaranteed as St. Louis has won three of its last four games.
In , the Rams beat Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos in St. Louis, lost by a field goal against the Chargers in San Diego, and have shut out both the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins.
The Rams have gone on this late surge due to a ground game featuring running back . Backup quarterback has filled in admirably for an injured Sam Bradford. Wide receivers , ,听补苍诲 and tight end have produced in the passing game.
On defense, St. Louis gives up an average of just under 105 rushing yards per game to the opposition. Defending against the pass, defensive end has 10-1/2 sacks to lead the club, followed by rookie defensive tackle 's seven QB sacks. But defensive end is questionable with a lower leg injury.
Speaking of injuries, the Cardinals have lost two major cogs on their offense. Starting quarterback Carson Palmer and running back Andre Ellington are both out for the rest of the season. Backup quarterback has led Arizona to five wins so far this year. Running back will step in for Ellington against the Rams.聽
Of course, it doesn't hurt that Stanton has All-Pro wide receiver to throw to, along with and .
The Cardinals defense is led by former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker , who leads the team in tackles. Both and have seven sacks apiece. and make up half of a talented defensive secondary.
Back on Nov. 9 in Arizona, , 31-14. St. Louis led, 14-10, at the half, but gave up three fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Arizona victory.
A little more history - both franchises have moved around the country and both have a Missouri connection. The in 1922, moved to St. Louis in 1960, then left for Arizona in 1988. The in Cleveland in 1937, shifted west to Los Angeles in 1946, then moved to St. Louis in 1995.
You can watch the Cardinals and Rams play on the NFL Network, beginning at 8:25 p.m. Eastern time Thursday.