ST. LOUIS – A few thoughts on the Arizona Cardinals' 12-6 win over the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on Thursday.
What it means: The Cardinals are all but guaranteed a spot in the playoffs after winning their 11th game. But they will be likely be working for home-field advantage without Drew Stanton, their second-string quarterback, who left the game in the third quarter Thursday night with a right knee injury. Ryan Lindley saw his first game action since 2012 and Arizona’s offense predictably struggled. Depending on the severity of Stanton’s injury, the offense that finished the game will be, with a few minor adjustments, the scheme that’ll take Arizona its two final games with Seattle and San Francisco and into the playoffs. The Cardinals running game proved it’s a viable two-headed monster with Kerwynn Williams and Stepfan Taylor. And the Cards’ defense returned to its early-season form with constant pressure combined with its recent potent pass rush.
Stock watch: Frostee Rucker has been on fire the past two weeks. He had another sack and a forced fumble, giving him three sacks in two weeks. His four sacks this season tied his career high, which he has recorded twice. Rucker hasn’t let the long stretch of games since the Week 4 bye or nagging injuries hamper his play. At 31, he has gotten stronger as the season progressed, which is good news for the Cardinals since they have 10 days until their next game.
Two-headed monster: For the first time this season, the Cardinals have a viable and effective running game. Williams had 75 yards and Taylor finished with 61 -- the second straight game that Arizona topped 100 yards. The two of them need to continue to excel take the pressure off Lindley.
Game ball: Without kicker Chandler Catanzaro, the Cardinals wouldn’t have won. A week after missing two field goals, one off each upright, the rookie kicker made field goals from 23, 44, 51 and 46 yards.
What’s next: The Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks at 8:30 p.m.Dec. 21 at University of Phoenix Stadium.
