Culver City Observer -

Defense and domination are hallmarks of a championship team.

The Los Angeles Rams put the rest of the league on early notice as they thoroughly dismantled the Arizona Cardinals, 34-0, before a crowd of 66,515 at the L.A. Coliseum for the 2018 home opener on Sunday.

“Great team win today. Thought the defense was outstanding to be able to hold them to five first downs, they brought it from the start,” said Rams Head Coach Sean McVay.

The Rams now are readying for a showdown against the Chargers and its team’s legendary quarterback, Philip Rivers.

The Rams dominated Arizona. The defense allowed Arizona only 137 yards of total offense, 54 yards rushing and 83 yards passing.

Arizona had only two plays that went for more than 10 yards out of 43 total offensive plays.

Impressive Debut by Natson

Ram JoJo Natson, signed to return kickoffs and punts due to the ankle injury that Pharoh Cooper suffered in the season opener at Oakland, put up big numbers.

Natson returned six punts for 133 yards, a 22.2-yard average, including a 60-yard kickoff return in the second quarter. That set up running back Todd Gurley’s second touchdown of three for the game, a two-yard burst.

Earlier, the Rams had to adapt their kicking game when kicker Greg Zuerlein was scratched after suffering a groin pull during pregame warmups.

Fortunately, though, punter Johnny Hekker was able to kick in relief. He nailed a 20-yard field goal and an extra point.

Nonetheless, the Rams announced this week that they have signed kicker Sam Ficken until Hekker is cleared to play.

The Chargers and Rams will clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sunday.