Cardinals vs. Rams: Tyrann Mathieu talks about handling Tavon Austin

When the Arizona Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams face off on Sunday to kick off their 2013 season, there are a couple of rookies that will have the eyes of many. On the Arizona side on defense, there is Tyrann Mathieu, who will see significant time on the field as the team's nickel corner. He will actually have the assignment many times to guard rookie receiver Tavon Austin, who is the big play threat that the Rams have been seeking, as Austin will many times line up as the slot receiver.

Mathieu was asked about the matchup by reporters.

"He's not a real vertical guy," Mathieu said of Austin. "He kind of works within 10 yards. He's very shifty, very quick. People say he's fast. I think he's more quick than fast. I think if you stay square on him and really get in his face at the line of scrimmage, I think you can challenge him and make things rough on him."

That will be Mathieu's job. He will need to jam him at the line of scrimmage. He will be the one to keep those short passes from turning into a big play.

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