NFC West Power Rankings: Week Four

2 – Arizona Cardinals, 3-1 (Last Week: 1)

Oct 4, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers (90) and middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) raise their arms after a fumble recovery against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Rams won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

After three weeks of looking like one of the best teams in football, the Cardinals were soaring high in the sky. After a 24-22 loss to their division rivals, the St. Louis Rams, they came crashing back down to Earth.

The Cardinals entered the week ranked number one in the NFL in scoring offense and scoring defense. But against the St. Louis Rams, they were sloppy and let the Rams come into University of Phoenix Stadium and beat them.

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Black and Teal

On the opening kickoff, Cardinals’ return man David Johnson fumbled. The Rams would recover and score a touchdown three plays later. In the second quarter, Carson Palmer was picked off in the endzone by Janoris Jenkins. Greg Zuerlein would kick a field goal seven plays later. During the first drive of the third quarter, Larry Fitzgerald fumbled after a reception. The Rams would recover and get into the endzone again.

Arizona’s defense didn’t force any turnovers, so when you’re being outscored 17-0 off turnovers, it’s going to be difficult to win games. The offense looked good, as Palmer threw for 352 yards and a touchdown, and Chris Johnson ran for 83 yards on 16 carries, but they settled for five field goals. That’s just not going to cut it.

The Cardinals fell from the ranks of the unbeaten, but they’ll have a chance to get back on the right track in week five. They take on the winless Detroit Lions. They can’t get complacent against the Lions though. They’ll be angry and motivated following the tough-to-swallow, controversial loss to Seattle.

Next: New Head of the Pack