Last meeting
Marcel Shipp scored three touchdowns, Edgerrin James rushed for 115 yards and the Cardinals forced three turnovers as Arizona beat St. Louis, 34-20, last December to split the season series.
Last week
The Cardinals -- seemingly motivated for first-year coach Ken Whisenhunt, the former offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh -- beat the Steelers, 21-14. Kurt Warner threw a touchdown pass and Matt Leinart engineered the game-winning drive as the quarterback platoon seems to be catching on in the desert, even if Leinart isn't a big fan of the situation. ... St. Louis hung close early without running back Steven Jackson, but were eventually overrun by the Cowboys, 35-7. The Rams suffered another injury to their offensive line, this time to tackle Adam Goldberg, who will be out at least four weeks with an MCL tear in his left knee.
At stake
The Cardinals look to keep pace with Seattle in the NFC West, and already have one win against the division-leading Seahawks. ... Not many teams have survived an 0-4 start to make the playoffs and the Rams have done nothing this season to make anyone believe they will get it turned around. Making matters worse, they'll have to play their second straight game without Jackson.
Key matchup
Cardinals running back Edgerrin James vs. St. Louis' defensive line. The battered Rams' offensive line has received a lot of attention this year, but the defensive line has been equally inept. St. Louis ranks 29th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 628 rushing yards in four games. James has rushed for 352 yards and four touchdowns in three career games against St. Louis.
Did you know?
Leinart is 4-1 in division starts. ... Receiver Torry Holt has recorded a touchdown reception in four consecutive games against the Cardinals.
