Arizona Cardinals: 6 Keys to Victory over St. Louis Rams

It was an ugly win, but a win nonetheless.

The Arizona Cardinals went from a team that couldn't win on the road to a team that's won two out of its last three on the road. Sure, this week was a victory against the lowly—and now mathematically eliminated St. Louis Rams—but a win is a win. 

The Cardinals are now 4-7, which won't get them into the postseason this year, but a strong finish could build momentum for next year. 

But forget the talk about next year because it's now is all about how the Cardinals pulled this one out. Sure, they blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter and on offensive the team was offensive. Those are just side notes.

There were many positives in this 23-20 win against the Rams, so let's look at the keys to victory for the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. 

Beanie Wells

There is no way I can mention a key to success without mentioning two words. 

Beanie Wells. 

Two hundred and twenty-eight yards rushing on 27 carries, including runs of 71 and 53 yards, is an automatic key to success. Since John Skelton was pretty much inept again, Wells had to have a good day, and he didn't disappoint. 

Even though his knee was nowhere near 100 percent, Wells made sure the Rams knew he was not going to be stopped by his gimpy knee. 

His fumble did cause the Rams to tie the game, but his third-down run late in the fourth quarter sealed the game for the Cardinals and led them to another road victory. 

Offensive Line

I know what you're thinking. This may be the first time you've read me give the Arizona Cardinals' offensive line adulation. You are right because it's rare that I will. 

And it's rare they are deserving. 

However, when you have a running back that runs for 228 yards, your offensive line did something right. The pass protection still was quite suspect as quarterback John Skelton took his fair share of hits and sacks, but the run blocking was more than adequate Sunday.

In the words of Beanie Wells in his postgame interview with the NFL Network on Sirius radio, the offensive line "was a blessing."

For once, I agree.

Patrick Peterson

Wait, are you telling me the St. Louis Rams kicked to Patrick Peterson again?

Isn't this the same team he beat on a 99-yard punt return just three weeks ago?

Isn't this the same guy Patrick Peterson the Rams head coach said would not beat them again?

The answer to all those questions is "yes." Peterson had his fourth punt return for a touchdown this year as he continues to make history in his rookie year. Peterson is the fourth player with four touchdown punt returns in a season.  Also, he is the first in NFL history with four returns of 80-plus yards.

If I were Peterson, I would ask for FOX to have Sam Rosen every week from here on out calling the Cardinals game. Rosen has called all four games of the Cardinals games this year in which Peterson had a punt return for a touchdown.

Too bad the Cardinals can't play the Rams every week. 

Sam Acho

Joey who?

I think it's safe to say that even if Joey Porter were healthy his job is gone. With the play of Sam Acho, can you really blame the coaching staff for making the switch?

Rookie Acho had two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Every week, Acho is making strides in development and has been fairly consistent at getting pressure on the quarterback. 

Simply put, he's exciting to watch and has solidified his spot on the roster as a starter and no longer a backup. He already has five sacks this year and shows no signs of slowing down. 

Daryl Washington

I swear if you watched this game—and pretty much most games this year—you hear Daryl Washington's name so much you would think it was some sort of play.

This guy is everywhere. He only had five tackles Sunday but assisted on more than a dozen of them. He had key pass breakups and first-down-saving tackles.

This young guy is special, and Sunday he showcased his talents yet again. 

Jay Feely

This is an easy one.

Jay Feely had three field-goal attempts. He made all three.

Admit it. You were nervous when it was 20-20, and you saw Feely lining up to give the Cardinals the lead. Fortunately, he split the uprights all day. 

I probably shouldn't get too excited over this, but you and I both know Feely has missed some important field goals this year. 

A few of those kicks have cost the Cardinals some games. 

Today, he made the kicks that counted, and that's all of them.