Cardinals vs. Rams: Halftime Observations for the Cardinals

That was quite the interesting first half of play.

A battle of 1-6 teams has taken center stage in Arizona. Whoever ends up winning this game will double their season win total for the year. While this game might not have a lot of meaning for postseason play, there is still a lot on the line when conference foes battle.

The first half has been a bit of a slugfest, with each team trading blows. Both teams got on the board early with a couple of field goals, and now we head into halftime with the Cardinals trailing by a 9-3 score. Will Arizona be able to battle back and win this conference game?

Here are five things that must happen for Arizona to take control of the game in the second half against St. Louis.

1. Establish a Running Game

Beanie Wells has been banged up this entire year, and the running game has suffered. When he is healthy, he is an elite back that can help the Cardinals offense. Wells is a powerful back who has the ability to take over a game.

If Beanie is able to get going in the second half, two things will happen. First, the Cardinals will be able to establish some consistency for the offense, because they will move the chains and eat up clock. The second benefit is that it will take pressure off of backup quarterback John Skelton and open up the play-action passing game. Get Beanie going and win this game.

2. John Skelton Makes Plays

No Kevin Kolb means that Skelton will need to step up and make plays in the second half. He needs to target his favorite receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, even more when play resumes.

Plays need to be called that give Skelton the chance to be successful. Wide receiver screens, quick outs and tight-end targets over the middle will be key plays for Skelton because they are plays that he can complete successfully. If Skelton can play consistently and not make huge mistakes, the Cardinals have a chance to win this game.

3. Patrick Peterson Does Something Special

That interception he had in the first half shows the playmaking ability that Patrick Peterson has. Peterson is an incredible football talent who can make huge plays on defense and special teams. The Cardinals need Peterson to come up with something big in the second half. Whether it is a crazy return that gives the team excellent field position or a huge interception on the defensive side, Peterson needs to put his stamp on this game.

4. Larry Fitzgerald Gets Loose

With a young quarterback at the helm, Fitzgerald can be the best asset to give Skelton some confidence. The Cardinals need to target Fitzgerald early and often in the second half of this football game.

Fitzgerald is a unique receiver who can stretch the field with deep balls, but he also has the ability to be a possession receiver who can take control of football games. The Cards need to throw short passes to Larry and let him make plays, but they should also throw deep bombs for big-play potential. Fitzgerald is a weapon that needs to be used more in the second half if the Cards want to get the win.

5. Command the Line of Scrimmage

Steven Jackson is a beast that needs to be contained. The way to stop him is to never let him get going.

Penetration from the defensive line will disrupt and negate Jackson’s running. Furthermore, the Cards need to get pressure on Sam Bradford. If he is given time to sit back there, he will pick the secondary apart. When he is pressured, he has shown tendencies to turn the ball over or make errant throws. Control the line of scrimmage and you give yourself a shot to win this game.