The Arizona Cardinals are already out of the playoff picture, being eliminated from contention last weekend after the 20-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

RELATED: CARDINALS OPEN AS BIG HOME UNDERDOGS WITH RAMS

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And now, they face one of the NFC’s best clubs at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The fact that the Rams are a division foe makes no difference for this season. From this point on, the only thing that counts is where the franchise will be slotted in next April’s NFL draft.

Of course, every team in the NFC West Division would love to defeat its counterparts in the division regardless of win-loss records.

The Rams are at the top of the division with a 9-3-0 record, tied with the Seattle Seahawks. The San Francisco 49ers hover a half-game back, sitting at 9-4-0. It appears that every team except for Arizona just might make the playoffs. The Cardinals would love nothing better than to throw a few monkey wrenches into the mix.

It all starts with the Rams. What does head coach Jonathan Gannon need to do with his defensive unit to come away with an upset victory?

Quarterback pressure

It all begins with the defensive side of the ball because the Rams have an exceptional offensive unit.

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Passing stats:

Offense: Los Angeles #6

Defense: Arizona #18

LA quarterback Matthew Stafford is the fourth-highest-ranked passer. He has multiple receiving options in WR Puka Nacua, who is ranked #3 in total yards (1,019), along with WR Davante Adams, who is ranked #24 (689).

In order to stop Stafford from slinging the ball around, the Cardinals need to get after him with a steady feed of pocket pressure and shorten the time the quarterback has to look downfield.

Both DE Josh Sweat and DT Calais Campbell must get penetration early and often, with an occasional blitz from S Budda Baker, who leads the team in tackles with 87. Sweat is currently #24 in the NFL in pressures (24). Campbell has 5.5 sacks, but the greater need in this game is to disrupt the pocket.

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And DT Dalvin Tomlinson needs to find a better push on passing downs. Show the Rams that discipline with technique still works in this league.

Stop the run

The Rams are a pass-happy team that will run when necessary to keep the defense honest. The Cardinals need to accept this and keep it that way. If Stafford and Company are content with throwing the ball, then let them.

LA has scored just 10 touchdowns on the ground and has one of the lowest amounts of carries (310) in the league this year.

Rushing stats:

Offense: Los Angeles #20

Defense: Arizona #16

Kyren Williams is a good running back and can get into the second level. And he has exceptional hands as a receiver.

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If the Rams can’t run the ball effectively, Arizona’s defense can focus more on rushing the passer and keep them one-dimensional.

Win the turnover game

The Cardinals are ranked #12 in creating turnovers. That must increase against the Rams.

Because the Rams are a passing offense, the Cardinals are a very good match with their defensive secondary. This group already has nine interceptions, and the defense as a whole has recovered eight fumbles.

Takeaway stats:

Offense: Los Angeles #8

Defense: Arizona #9

The Rams can give it up on offense, and have. They have seven fumbles lost with four picks. Williams has two lost fumbles while Stafford has tossed four interceptions.

If the Cardinals have any hope of winning, the defense will need to force Stafford to shorten his pocket time and make mistakes. This will shift momentum and limit the Rams’ passing opportunities.