Rams: A Disappointing Defeat Against the Cardinals

Game Overview

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Rams fell to the Cardinals 41-10 on Sunday at State Farm Stadium.

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp exited the game with an ankle injury and was ruled doubtful to return; he ultimately would not re-enter the game. He finished with four receptions for 37 yards prior to exiting due to injury.

Additionally, safety John Johnson III sustained a shoulder injury in the second half and was questionable to return.

First Half Struggles

Here is the complete game recap:

• A 41-yard return by running back Blake Corum on the opening kickoff set the Rams up at the Cardinals 49, but the drive ended with an unsuccessful attempt to convert on 4th and 2 from the Cardinals 41.
• Arizona capitalized on the change of possession, leaning on running back James Conner and the scrambling ability of quarterback Kyler Murray to set up a 23-yard touchdown pass from Murray to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for an early 7-0 lead.
• After Los Angeles was forced to punt on the ensuing series, Arizona extended its lead to 14-0 with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Murray to Harrison Jr. on the first play of that drive.
• The Rams were again forced to punt after their third offensive series, though punter Ethan Evans' 67-yard punt was downed at the 1-yard line by cornerback Charles Woods.
• The Cardinals reached the endzone 13 plays later on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Murray to tight end Elijah Higgins to go up 21-0 early in the second quarter.

Second Half Attempts

A 42-yard, out-of-structure completion from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, plus an unnecessary roughness penalty, helped the Rams finally get on the board with a 29-yard field goal by kicker Joshua Karty to cut their deficit to 18.

By halftime, the Rams were 1 for 6 on third down and trailed 24-3.

1. Conner's 5-yard touchdown run made it 31-3 Cardinals with 10:33 left in the third quarter.
2. After Arizona added a 56-yard field goal by kicker Matt Prater, Los Angeles answered with a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Kyren Williams, but still trailed 34-10 with 41 seconds left in the third quarter.
3. Jared Verse forced a Conner fumble at the Rams 2-yard line, but the fumble was recovered in the endzone by Cardinals tight end Trey McBride for a touchdown to make it 41-10 with 9:02 remaining.