--RB Tim Hightower's production has fallen off badly since he rushed for 109 yards in his starting debut a month ago against the Rams. In the four games since, Hightower has gained 82 yards on 45 carries. It's not all his fault, as the team has either chosen to pass or been forced to pass by game conditions. But Hightower appears to be dancing a bit much and needs to work on avoiding negative plays.

--RB J.J. Arrington continues to be productive as the single back in the team's spread formations. There are no plans, however, to expand Arrington's role and use him more in the base offense. Coaches think Hightower is better suited to that job.

--RB Edgerrin James has carried just four times for four yards in the past five games, and didn't play a snap in two of those contests. His role won't expand unless starter Tim Hightower gets hurt.

--QB Kurt Warner has committed seven turnovers in the past three games (five interceptions, two fumbles). That's what happens when you drop back to pass 138 times in three games, an average of 46 times a game. The Cardinals need to be more productive with their running game to take the pressure off Warner.

--The Cardinals aren't getting much production out of their nose tackle position. The hope was that Gabe Watson or Alan Branch would have become a solid starter by now, but Bryan Robinson remains the starter. He's better suited to playing end, but he's the club's best option at the nose.

--CB Ralph Brown has moved past Eric Green on the depth chart behind starters Rod Hood and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

GAME PLAN: The Cardinals want to improve their running game and what better team to do that against than the Rams, who rank 30th in the NFL in stopping the run. The Cardinals want to get back to a more even ratio between run and pass. Ideally, they would like to throw 35 or so times a game and run it between 25 and 30. Those numbers have been skewed toward the pass lately.

Defensively, the Cardinals need to play with more discipline. They did an awful job of stopping the run against the Eagles, and they weren't too hot against the pass, either. The Rams offense doesn't scare anyone, but it's better with Steven Jackson in the game. He's healthy and could be a force. The Cardinals need to force some turnovers early.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin vs. Rams secondary -- Boldin has had some big games against the Rams and caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown against them a month ago.

Cardinals RT Levi Brown vs. Rams DLE Leonard Little: Little barely played against the Cardinals earlier this year due to injury. Brown has played well this year, although he's struggled in a game or two.

Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson vs. Rams RB Steven Jackson: Jackson played sparingly against the Cardinals a month ago, but he appears closer to full health now. Wilson is a good run defender and often plays as a linebacker against teams with great running backs.

INJURY IMPACT:

--CB Rod Hood has practiced all week after missing most of the past two games with a rib injury. He's expected to start on Sunday.

--OLB Clark Haggans practiced Thursday after missing two games with a sprained foot. He likely will be able to play on Sunday.

--S Matt Ware missed last week's game with a facial fracture and hasn't returned to practice yet. It's questionable if he will play on Sunday.

--C Lyle Sendlein is dealing with back pain but should be able to play on Sunday.