Rams - Cardinals: The Most Brutal Game of 2014, And Bruce's Way...

First, let's hope for the best for Drew Stanton. No one like to see a player injured, and I hope he's OK. But in this game between to NFC West defenses, you get the feeling that someone was going to take a beating. Black and blue, and a long line for hot tubs will be common for both these teams after this game. The defenses were absolutely outstanding, pure and simple. You could've put Aaron Rodger, or Tom Brady out there for either team, and it still would have been a tough night. It was the night of "the big ugies", and they prowled relentlessly...

As Arizona move forward toward the post season with quarterback worries, I can't say enough about the Rams defense that's coming into its own. Highly ranked all season long, Arizona's defense played up to their billing. But these last three game for St. Louis' defense have been other-worldly. Yes, the Cardinals' Bruce Arians had to say his Arians-esk globber after the game, saying:

"I love it when nobody says you have a chance to win. There is an 11-3 team and a team that is always 8-8," Arians said. "You figure it out."... "Everybody wanted to talk all that stuff about how great their defense is. I think they saw a good defense tonight, it was in red and white," Arians said before talking about his 143 rushing yards. "We blocked them. I think they had been reading their press clippings way too much." -

NFL.com

Uh, yeah Bruce, the Cardinals really showed the Rams defense... Really? Look at the stat lines before you pop off. Stanton had 109 yards on 20 passing attempts. The Arizona offensive line blocked well enough to get their run game going, and that's the difference in this game, with 143 yards on the ground. Total offense in this game: Arizona 274 - St. Louis 280. Oh, and Bruce, you just guaranteed the next meeting between the Cardinals and Jeff - I'll Remember That - Fisher's Rams will add a bit more RED to your red and white than you'd might like...

The final score - 12-6 - may have marked a "W" in Arizona's win column, but if Rams fans aren't proud of their team after this game, they need to seek help. Think about what's happening for the Rams right now on defense, and how they're literally smashing quality teams over the last 6 weeks. Yeah, the offense needs a few bits here and there, but when you keep another team out of the end zone, you aren't far off from being VERY good team and headed for the post season in the future. The 1-5 start this season ended post season hopes for the Rams long ago. In a tale of a football team written over the last 8 weeks, there's something to smile about going forward. In fact, the only teams who shouldn't be smiling are the New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks. They're up next for the Rams, and I guarantee none of their players are looking forward it...

Back to Bruce Arians for just one more thought... Hey Bruce? These two teams have had a warm and fuzzy kind of thing going on, in a way; due to their shared history with Kurt Warner. The NFL has built up the rivalry between Seattle and San Francisco, and their games have turned into fierce battle most of the time. Known for your quirky, grumbly, "says what he wants" banter, there are 30 NFL teams and millions of fans who shrug what you say off. But there's one NFL team, and their rabid fan base, who have suddenly turned into your worst nightmare. You may have left your post game presser feeling puffed up and proud, but when it sinks in that you've just lit a fuse on a 2015 powder keg, you may want to think before you speak next time. I respect the job you do as a coach, but my, oh my, did you just step in a big 'ol pile of smelly...