Stu Jackson

Our offseason opponent breakdown series on theRams.com continues with Los Angeles' Weeks 14 and 18 opponent, the Arizona Cardinals (Week 14, State Farm Stadium, Dec. 7, 1:25 p.m. PT, FOX; Week 18, SoFi Stadium, date and time TBD).

2024

The Cardinals' 8-9 record marked a step forward in Year 2 of the Jonathan Gannon era, doubling their win total from 2023. They also made strides on both sides of the ball, finishing 12th in scoring offense and 15th in scoring defense.

Quarterback Kyler Murray started all 17 games, but his full health the entire season didn't translate to a playoff berth. Arizona remained mathematically alive until their overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 16, their fourth loss in five games after carrying a 6-4 record into their bye week.

Key changes

Veteran Jacoby Brissett was signed to back up Murray. The Cardinals also signed veteran defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson to a two-year deal and outside linebacker Josh Sweat to a four-year deal to reinforce the front seven.

The below-.500 finish also saw Arizona make multiple coaching changes, including hiring Justin Frye as offensive line coach after he held the same position at Ohio State the past three seasons. It also hired Winston DeLattiboudere III as defensive line coach, the role he also held at the University of Minnesota the last two seasons.

Head coach

Gannon enters his third season as head coach of the Cardinals, compiling a 12-22 record through his first two seasons.

What to watch for

Rams defense vs. Cardinals offense

Arizona rewarded tight end Trey McBride with a lucrative extension, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. bulked up ahead of an important second season. Running back James Conner returns. Few changes were made to the Cardinals' offense, so the continuity is strong, carrying over many of their best playmakers.

Los Angeles likewise retained the majority of its personnel on defense from last season, while adding nose tackle Poona Ford in free agency.

When that trio of McBride, Harrison Jr. and Conner was available for the Cardinals in Week 2 Conner exited the Week 17 matchup with a knee injury the result was a 41-10 Cardinals win, though that was in the midst of a young Rams defense trying to find its way, especially against mobile quarterbacks like Murray.

It figures to be an intriguing late-season test for the Rams defense.