NFL: St Louis Rams targeting third shutout success at Arizona Cardinals
Thursday 11 December 2014 07:26, UK
Arizona must prevent the St Louis Rams from pulling off another successive shutout as the Cardinals attempt to cement top spot in the NFC West.
The Rams produced another flawless defensive display in Sunday’s 24-0 win over the Washington Redskins and will be targeting a third straight shutout, the first in 38 years, at the Edward Jones Dome on Thursday night.
St Louis could fancy their chances against Arizona, who have lacked invention since quarterback Carson Palmer was ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.
With only four offensive touchdowns in four games, the Cardinals will be hoping for more from replacement Drew Stanton, who has thrown five interceptions in four games.
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Top rusher Andre Ellington is also facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hip problem, but Kerwynn Williams proved a worthy understudy, racking up 100 yards on 19 carries in last weekend’s 17-14 home win over Kansas City.
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be seeking another fruitful meeting with the Rams after catching a season-high nine passes for 112 yards last month.
But Stanton could be facing a bruising contest against the uncompromising Rams, who have recorded 13 sacks in the last two games, with defensive end Robert Quinn leading the way.
In Shaun Hill, St Louis also have plenty of attacking bite, as the quarterback has completed 62 per cent of his passes with six touchdowns in his last four games.
Tight end Jared Cook has proved a useful attacking outlet - in the last three games he has picked up 274 yards and three scores, including two TD receptions last weekend.
Watch St Louis take on Arizona live on Sky Sports 1, from 1.25am on Friday morning.
