The Los Angeles Rams dominated the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Sunday, showcasing the significant gap between the Cardinals and the rest of the NFC West. Thus far, the Arizona Cardinals are winless against divisional opponents (0-5) and have a minus-73 point differential in these matchups.
“Give Credit to LA. They were better than us in every facet of the game. Offensive, defensive, and special teams. That is very humbling,” head coach Jonathan Gannon said postgame. “At one point in the game, it is 10-10, then you look up, and you are down a lot of points, quick. Give them credit. It is not ok and not acceptable by me, by any of us in there, and we will get back to work tomorrow.”
A week after being eliminated from playoff contention, the Arizona Cardinals (3-10) were non-competitive against a division rival. With four games remaining, the Cardinals need to show some sort of pulse, or else Jonathan Gannon may not make it to a fourth season with the franchise.
Cardinals’ Offense Stumbles
On the opening drive, the Arizona Cardinals went 67 yards in five plays, taking an early 7-0 lead. However, the offense fell flat and didn’t score another touchdown until the fourth quarter.
The Los Angeles Rams came into the matchup ranked 2nd in scoring defense, allowing 17.5 points per game. The impressive defensive numbers proved true, as the Arizona Cardinals’ offense scored only 17 points.
Arizona ran for just 51 yards and averaged 3.6 yards per carry. The team’s leading rusher was quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Overall, the Cardinals struggled to establish a running game early and became one-dimensional down multiple scores. “We really didn’t get the run game going, didn’t stay on the field, and score enough points,” Jonathan Gannon told Paul Calvisi on the Cardinals Locker Room Show. “We need to be able to run the ball better to play better offense, and that helps the defense out.”
Stafford Makes MVP Statement
The Los Angeles Rams, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, steamrolled the Arizona Cardinals’ defense on Sunday. Stafford completed 22-of-31 passes for 281 yards. He threw three touchdowns, two of them to Pro Bowl wide receiver Puka Nacua, who finished with seven receptions and 167 receiving yards.
The Rams’ offense was unstoppable all afternoon, producing 530 total yards and scoring points on seven of their first nine possessions. Stafford seemed like a quarterback who had all the answers to Jonathan Gannon’s test. He was poised in the pocket, finding all the soft spots in the zones and throwing receivers open the entire game.
The Los Angeles Rams took a 35-point lead roughly a minute into the fourth quarter. With the Rams up big, veteran Jimmy Garoppolo took over at quarterback for their final two offensive series.
Rams Run Wild
The Rams won the battle in the trenches, rushing for a season-high 249 yards. Second-year running back Blake Corum rushed for a career-high 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Don’t forget about Kyren Williams, who Los Angeles gave a three-year, $33 million extension to this offseason. Williams recorded 84 yards on the ground and scored his eighth rushing touchdown of the season in Week 14.
The Rams have quietly developed a one-two punch at the running back position in recent weeks. If Blake Corum and Kyren Williams can continue their success on the ground, the Los Angeles Rams can make a run for their third Lombardi Trophy.
–Follow Dan Loya on X @DLoya_NFL
