The Cardinals were every DST's best friend last year. With a beleaguered carousel of quarterbacks playing behind the league's worst offensive line, Arizona gave up an NFL-high 16.9 points per game to opposing DSTs.
The Rams DST feasted as much as anyone, racking up nine sacks and a fumble recovery in the first meeting and returning two interceptions for touchdowns in the second. It won't be that easy against Carson Palmer. The Cardinals' new quarterback is a major upgrade over Kevin Kolb, John Skelton and Ryan Lindley.
Palmer threw 30 interceptions the past two seasons in Oakland, but he's got a better supporting cast now and it's worth noting he had a turnover-free preseason. Arizona improved its O-line by signing right tackle Eric Winston and getting two starters healthy again.
Still, the Rams' pass rush is fierce. St. Louis returns nearly everyone from the unit that tied for the league lead with 52 sacks, including ends Chris Long (11.5 sacks) and Robert Quinn (10.5). Electrifying rookie Tavon Austin will return punts. Consider the Rams DST, which finished 12th last season, an above-average Week 1 option.