GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals offense is supposed to be one of the best, if not THE best, in the NFL.But at the start of games especially, its been a pushover.This might not be a good week to change that because on Sunday they face the bruising defense of the Los Angeles Rams .Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer said the Rams defense -- with the likes of Aaron Donald, Alec Ogletree and Robert Quinn -- is as good as it gets.These teams know each other well. The Rams won in Glendale last season and the Cardinals recognize theyre in for a rough afternoon. Los Angeles already has had two players ejected from games.We feel like these guys kind of challenge our manhood, Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson said. We take that personally.The Rams enter the game 2-1 and are coming off a 37-32 win at Tampa Bay.There was disappointment after Week 1 (a 28-0 loss to San Francisco), Los Angeles coach Jeff Fisher said, but we pulled them out of it. Thats what were most proud of right now. Theres no lack of confidence at all.The Cardinals are 1-2 and were blown out in Buffalo last Sunday 33-18. A 1/3 start would be devastating for a team that went 13-3 last season and expects to contend for the Super Bowl.Here are some things to consider when the Rams meet the Cardinals:CARDINALS CHALLENGE: Theres no way the Cardinals should overlook anyone now.Theres nobody that cant be beat and nobody that you cant beat, Arizona coach Bruce Arians said. Thats the way you have to look at every week.This is new territory for an Arizona team accustomed to success under Arians.We wont really know what kind of team we have until were facing some adversity, safety Tyron Mathieu said. Weve been challenged. In the past weve dealt with injuries, but I dont think we ever really dealt with just getting our butts whupped. Its a new set of adversities. Its a new challenge for us.GETTING OVER: The Rams are 2-1, but thats a big deal to a franchise that hasnt made the playoffs since 2004. Theyre off to their best start to a season since 2006, and they could also move to two games above .500 for the first time in a decade with a victory in Glendale.The Rams were eager to make a good impression on Los Angeles despite beginning their return season with just two home games in the first two months. So two NFC West victories in September would be significant.Ive never made the playoffs with the Rams, so it would be big to get off to a good start in the division, defensive lineman Eugene Sims said.OFFENSE IMPROVES: The Rams still have the NFLs least productive offense, but they finally scored their first touchdowns of the season last week in Tampa Bay, lessening the pressure on Fisher to play No. 1 pick QB Jared Goff immediately.Offensive coordinator Rob Boras sees steady progress from his unit and breakout potential for star running back Todd Gurley, who has been limited to 183 yards in three games. Gurley had the first big game of his Offensive Rookie of the Year season at Arizona last year, piling up 146 yards. Quarterback Case Keenum hasnt faced the vaunted Arizona defense since 2013 with Houston, watching both matchups last season as Nick Foles backup.FITZS HISTORY: Larry Fitzgerald has made big plays against just about every team in the league, but the eight-time Pro Bowl receiver has been especially hard on the Rams.In his 10 games against them, Fitzgerald 153 receptions for 1,785 yards and 16 touchdowns. Thats more receptions and TD catches than he has against any other team.KICKING CHANGE: The Arizona long snapper sent the ball sailing over the holders head, turning what would have been a chip-shot field goal into a Buffalo touchdown last Sunday. And the punters already-injured ankle worsened. So there will be a new snapper and punter for Arizona against the Rams.Rookie Kameron Canady, who had other shaky snaps in the first two games, was released Tuesday and replaced a day later by Aaron Brewer. Brewer was the snapper for Denver in all 64 regular-season games and eight postseason contests the past four seasons.With punter Drew Butler in a walking boot, Arizona signed Ryan Quigley, the punter for the New York Jets the past three seasons. Quigley also will take over Butlers holder duties.---AP sports writer Greg Beacham in Los Angeles contributed to this report.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Kurt Suzuki Jersey . Mickelson barely made the cut but had the best round of the day with nine birdies and an eagle coupled with two bogeys to sit two shots behind leader Craig Lee of Scotland. Lee shot a 69 for a 12-under 204 total. "I just love the fact I am in contention and have an opportunity in my first tournament of the year here in Abu Dhabi," Mickelson said. Hunter Strickland Jersey . -- Jimmie Johnson held off a teammate, passed a pair of Hall of Famers, and dominated once more at Dover. https://www.cheapnationals.com/ . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . Wilmer Difo Nationals Jersey . Clarke was injured while practicing on the Doha Golf Club range after the pro-am on Tuesday. The Northern Irishman arrived at the course on Wednesday hoping to start, but after hitting a few balls on the practice putting green Clarke advised officials he was not fit to play. Austin Voth Jersey .Y. - General manager Billy King says the Brooklyn Nets are looking to add a big man and confirmed the team worked out centre Jason Collins, who would become the first openly gay active NBA player if signed. ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy was able to practice Wednesday, and the team later listed him as limited.The 29-year-old Levy has been dealing with knee issues and hasnt played since Detroits season opener at Indianapolis on Sept. 11. He was limited to one game last season because of injuries.Coach Jim Caldwell spoke to reporters before practice Wednesday and did not offer a timetable on how long it would taake Levy to return to game shape once he could practice fully.ddddddddddddDetroit hosts Jacksonville on Sunday.The Lions also confirmed that defensive back Don Carey has agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2017 season.---For more NFL: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '