The Arizona Cardinals, fresh off of two post season appearances are going into Saint Louis this Sunday as a four point favorite that steamed up from three. In an offseason where their number two receiver was let go, Leinart was sent packing after their hall of fame quarterback retired, and they made no backfield improvement many still found reason to bet the Arizona Cardinals off the all important -3 to -4, a valueless number.
Why is this? The bettors have no sense.
Here are some major reasons:
1. Derek Anderson has started many NFL games in numerous seasons for the Cleveland Browns. Despite have Josh Cribbs and Kellen Winslow in recent years he has rarely accumulated a passer rating over 90 on a by game basis. His receiving corps does improve with Fitzgerald(P), Breaston, and Hightower can catch a ball or two out of the backfield. However, Anderson has had trouble getting the ball to playmakers downfield and that will continue this week with an undervalued secondary of Saint Louis featuring All-Pro OJ Atogwe, Dockery, and Bartell. Hightower is a capable pass catcher but was not prolific enough last season to score a TD on 63 receptions. Arizona may pass for a fair number of yards this week but won’t get the ball into the end zone through the air.
2. The Cardinals running game hasn’t been a huge threat in recent years. Featuring Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells, this year should be no different. The Offensive Line was built as a pass blocking line: less mobile and prone to missing assignments on run schemes. However, with the resurgence of the Rams secondary and ineptitude at quarterback the Cardinals will be forced to become more balanced and run the ball. With lackluster line play, lackluster backfield play and a strong linebacker and end presence on the Rams defense the Cardinals will have a hard time running the ball. St. Louis linebackers Laurinaitis, Diggs, and Grant should be able to hold most inside runs within 3 yards by plugging the open gaps as Long and Hall are more than capable contain men.
3. The Rams defense not surprisingly looks sufficient with defensive minded Steve Spagnulo as head coach. The problem lies within their offense. They had trouble scoring last year with a veteran (albeit lame) at quarterback. Sam Bradford takes over the role as starting quarterback with an underrated receiving core that is capable of making plays. Even with the loss of Avery, a burner; the rams have Amendola, who made many dazzling plays towards the end of last season and Laurent Robinson who has never been in better shape and is poised to make a return after missing last season. Rookie wide out Gilyard will be a 3rd down receiver and his speed should allow backs to get open on flat or Sit routes. Look for Steven to be open in space in the passing game.
4. Most people know that a rookie quarterback greatly relies on the Tight end as a safety outlet in the passing game as most rookies are weary of throwing downfield. The rams listed starting tight end is Billy Bajema who has spent six years in the league with very little production. At 6-4 260, he is a blocking tight end. In passing situations Hoomanawanui, a Rookie out of Illinois looks poised to be a future All Pro. A truly spectacular preseason saw him making plays all over the secondary. A mismatch in speed with the linebackers and size in the secondary. The speed of the 6-5 260 pounder makes him a vital outlet for Bradford and will keep drives alive inside both 30 yard lines.
My pick: For the reasons listed above I like the St. Louis Rams (+4) at home over the Arizona Cardinals.
I also like the under 38.5 at plus money (pinnacle) as both teams will have some trouble moving the ball and their red zone offenses are questionable at best.
Why is this? The bettors have no sense.
Here are some major reasons:
1. Derek Anderson has started many NFL games in numerous seasons for the Cleveland Browns. Despite have Josh Cribbs and Kellen Winslow in recent years he has rarely accumulated a passer rating over 90 on a by game basis. His receiving corps does improve with Fitzgerald(P), Breaston, and Hightower can catch a ball or two out of the backfield. However, Anderson has had trouble getting the ball to playmakers downfield and that will continue this week with an undervalued secondary of Saint Louis featuring All-Pro OJ Atogwe, Dockery, and Bartell. Hightower is a capable pass catcher but was not prolific enough last season to score a TD on 63 receptions. Arizona may pass for a fair number of yards this week but won’t get the ball into the end zone through the air.
2. The Cardinals running game hasn’t been a huge threat in recent years. Featuring Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells, this year should be no different. The Offensive Line was built as a pass blocking line: less mobile and prone to missing assignments on run schemes. However, with the resurgence of the Rams secondary and ineptitude at quarterback the Cardinals will be forced to become more balanced and run the ball. With lackluster line play, lackluster backfield play and a strong linebacker and end presence on the Rams defense the Cardinals will have a hard time running the ball. St. Louis linebackers Laurinaitis, Diggs, and Grant should be able to hold most inside runs within 3 yards by plugging the open gaps as Long and Hall are more than capable contain men.
3. The Rams defense not surprisingly looks sufficient with defensive minded Steve Spagnulo as head coach. The problem lies within their offense. They had trouble scoring last year with a veteran (albeit lame) at quarterback. Sam Bradford takes over the role as starting quarterback with an underrated receiving core that is capable of making plays. Even with the loss of Avery, a burner; the rams have Amendola, who made many dazzling plays towards the end of last season and Laurent Robinson who has never been in better shape and is poised to make a return after missing last season. Rookie wide out Gilyard will be a 3rd down receiver and his speed should allow backs to get open on flat or Sit routes. Look for Steven to be open in space in the passing game.
4. Most people know that a rookie quarterback greatly relies on the Tight end as a safety outlet in the passing game as most rookies are weary of throwing downfield. The rams listed starting tight end is Billy Bajema who has spent six years in the league with very little production. At 6-4 260, he is a blocking tight end. In passing situations Hoomanawanui, a Rookie out of Illinois looks poised to be a future All Pro. A truly spectacular preseason saw him making plays all over the secondary. A mismatch in speed with the linebackers and size in the secondary. The speed of the 6-5 260 pounder makes him a vital outlet for Bradford and will keep drives alive inside both 30 yard lines.
My pick: For the reasons listed above I like the St. Louis Rams (+4) at home over the Arizona Cardinals.
I also like the under 38.5 at plus money (pinnacle) as both teams will have some trouble moving the ball and their red zone offenses are questionable at best.
hopin S JAX has a hugee game. If the Rams can play halfway decent I think they have a good shot to cover
