Cardinals Game Plan for Rams

Here is the Cardinals game plan for the St. Louis Rams, injury updates, key matchups and much more.

GAME PLAN:

The Cardinals want to improve their running game and what better team to do that against than the Rams, who rank 30th in the NFL in stopping the run. The Cardinals want to get back to a more even ratio between run and pass. Ideally, they would like to throw 35 or so times a game and run it between 25 and 30. Those numbers have been skewed toward the pass lately.

Defensively, the Cardinals need to play with more discipline. They did an awful job of stopping the run against the Eagles, and they weren't too hot against the pass, either. The Rams offense doesn't scare anyone, but it's better with Steven Jackson in the game. He's healthy and could be a force. The Cardinals need to force some turnovers early.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin vs. Rams secondary -- Boldin has had some big games against the Rams and caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown against them a month ago.

Cardinals RT Levi Brown vs. Rams DLE Leonard Little: Little barely played against the Cardinals earlier this year due to injury. Brown has played well this year, although he's struggled in a game or two.

Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson vs. Rams RB Steven Jackson: Jackson played sparingly against the Cardinals a month ago, but he appears closer to full health now. Wilson is a good run defender and often plays as a linebacker against teams with great running backs.

INJURY IMPACT: CB Rod Hood, the team's best cover corner, should be able to play after missing the last game with sore ribs.

--OLB Clark Haggans has missed the past two games with a sprained foot and hasn't returned to practice yet. Coaches are hoping he can get in a day or two of work this week.

--S Matt Ware missed last week's game with a facial fracture and hasn't returned to practice yet. It's questionable if he will play on Sunday.

--C Lyle Sendlein is dealing with back pain but should be able to play on Sunday.