GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Looking back at three things to watch from the St. Louis Rams' 31-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday afternoon:
1. Getting after Palmer: The revitalized Rams pass rush continued its recent trend of creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks as Arizona's Carson Palmer spent most of his day running for cover before a knee injury forced him to leave the game. The Rams pressured Palmer 14 times Sunday, which means he was under duress on 35 percent of his drop backs. Along the way, the Rams picked up three sacks, including another for defensive end Robert Quinn. Quinn now has seven sacks in the past four weeks and continues to be on an upward trajectory. The unofficial pressbox statistics also had the Rams down for nine quarterback hits. Under pressure, Palmer was 6-of-11 for 59 yards and an interception before leaving the game.
2. Fourth-quarter finish: The Rams' struggles closing out games against Arizona's knack for finishing with a flourish rendered the final quarter a decisive knockout for the Cardinals. Entering the game, the Cardinals were second in the league in fourth quarter scoring margin (plus-36) and first in the NFL in turnover margin (plus-8). Those numbers came home to roost for Arizona again with a fourth quarter performance in which they outscored the Rams 21-0 and forced three turnovers, two of which became instant defensive touchdowns. Once again, the Rams failed to put together a full 60 minutes and once again it cost them a potential victory.
3. Room to run: The numbers reveal a Rams rushing attack that was unable to sustain despite some early success. The Rams carried 22 times for 70 yards, an average of 3.2 yards per attempt with a touchdown for Benny Cunningham. Tre Mason got most of the work, rushing 14 times for 48 yards. But the Rams didn't stick with the run even after an initial touchdown drive in which they moved it effectively on the strength of the rushing attack. Rams quarterback Austin Davis said Arizona regularly offered four or even five down linemen on running downs, making it difficult for the Rams to get anything going consistently.