The Los Angeles Rams take on the Arizona Cardinals at home this Sunday, with the contest serving as the team's sixth game and second divisional matchup this season. Here are the three biggest storylines heading towards kickoff.
The health of the secondary
Defensive backs Trent McDuffie and Kam Curl will be questionable entering the game, as they deal with groin and ankle issues, respectively. Curl did tell reporters he would play, but his effectiveness remains the ultimate question, especially as the game goes on.
To make the issue worse, the Rams promoted defensive back Cam Lampkin from the practice squad, with the move making it seem McDuffie will be at-best a game-time decision.
Familiar faces
On the Cardinals sideline, former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur operates as head
coach, while defensive coordinator Nick Rallis faces Los Angeles for the fourth straight season in that role. LaFleur was with the Rams for three seasons, playing a massive role in designing the game plan that led to Puka Nacua's breakout, Kyren Williams' streak of three straight 1,000-yard seasons, and Matthew Stafford's MVP.
On top of that, he's been watching Chris Shula defense for years and knows the Rams like the back of his hand.
The crossroads
The Rams sit at 2-3 on the season, and if they're to launch a midseason surge, this game comes as close to being a must-win as possible. The 49ers are already leading the division by three games, as they race towards the NFC's number one seed.
However, the Seattle Seahawks lost this week, and with a Rams win placing them tied for second place in the division, they have everything to fight for in this contest. If they lose, Los Angeles drops to last place in the NFC West.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 3 major storylines for Rams vs. Cardinals
