Two weeks ago, Janoris Jenkins and Chris Givens were deactivated and running stairs as punishment, after missing curfew.
This week, they were helping the Rams win a game to improve to 4-6-1.
Jenkins had a pair of interception returns for touchdowns, and Givens caught a third-quarter touchdown while helped the Rams pull away during a 28-17 win over the Cardinals. Givens finished with five catches for 115 yards, giving them a legitimate target other than the ailing Danny Amendola (one catch for 38 yards).
Along with Steven Jackson’s 24-carry, 139-yard game, the Rams pulled away with 17 unanswered points in the second half to cruise to a win after a nervy first half. It was their first win since beating the Cardinals in Week Four.
The performance of rookie quarterback Ryan Lindley (four interceptions) proved conclusively why the Cards were interested in Peyton Manning this offseason.
They play good defense, have one of the game’s best receivers and a serviceable running game, but no quarterback. While the offensive line isn’t to the caliber he’s working behind in Denver, a quarterback of Manning’s caliber would have the Cards in the thick of the playoff race instead of 4-7 (with seven straight losses).