Cardinals vs. Rams game preview: Can Arizona improve to 5-0?

The undefeated Arizona Cardinals look to improve to 5-0 Thursday night when they take on the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome.

St. Louis has started of the season 2-2, but is coming off a 19-13 win at home against the Seattle Seahawks. Both the Cardinals and Seahawks are 1-0 in the NFC West.

Arizona has dominated the Rams in recent years, winning 10 of the last 11 games, including sweeping the season series last season.

Patrick Peterson was a thorn in the side of St. Louis in 2011. He returned two punts for touchdowns one for 99 yards and the other for 80. The longer one came in OT and gave the Cards the win. Peterson has struggled early in the season returning punts, he fumbled three times last week against Dolphins, but none were recovered by the opponent.

This game could be a prime opportunity for the Cardinals to get their run game in sync. The Rams have allowed 4.7 yards per rush and last week Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch went off for 118 yards on 20 carries, while rookie Robert Turbin averaged 7.5 yards per rush. Arizona has averaged a measly 2.7 YPC through four games.

After allowing Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill throw for over 400 yards last week the Cardinals defense looks to get back to its stifling ways against the Rams offensive attack. St. Louis is only averaging 19.8 points per game and less than 300 total yards.

The Rams are 2-0 at home and have a clear advantage with the short week. Arizona won its only road game of the season against the Patriots.