The Arizona Cardinals began their game against the Los Angeles Rams with early momentum, highlighted by a strong run from Trey McBride and a touchdown catch by Michael Wilson. However, the Rams quickly took control and maintained their lead for most of the game at State Farm Stadium.
The Rams, who are competing for the NFC West title and entered the game with a 9-3 record, improved to 10-3 after defeating the Cardinals 37-20. The Cardinals, dealing with multiple injuries and now holding a 3-10 record, struggled to keep up as the game progressed.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett addressed the loss directly: “They just beat us,” he said. “No making excuses.” Head coach Jonathan Gannon added, “They were better than us in every facet. It’s very humbling. It’s not OK. It’s not acceptable.”
After an initial touchdown drive tied the score at 10-10, the Cardinals’ offense stalled while the Rams gained momentum. Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes and led an offense that amassed 530 total yards, including 249 rushing yards. Wide receiver Puka Nacua was a key contributor for Los Angeles with two touchdowns and 167 receiving yards on seven catches.
Defensive lineman Dante Stills commented on the loss: “You take it personal.” Gannon identified issues with allowing explosive plays and failing to force third downs as significant problems in the first half.
Outside linebacker Josh Sweat described how the team is handling adversity: “I think everybody’s head is in the right place, but I mean, it’s over and over and over, so it’s only so much we can do,” he said. “I guess we’re still just trying to get better. That’s all we ever say. No one’s pointing fingers. It’s just let’s go back to work.”
Injuries continued to impact Arizona’s roster; left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., defensive lineman Bilal Nichols, and safety Jalen Thompson all exited due to injuries during Sunday’s game. Starting left guard Evan Brown missed the game for personal reasons.
Brissett noted that injuries are part of playing in the NFL: “They call that the NFL,” he said.
With four games remaining in their season, Arizona will travel to Houston next week as they seek improvement during a challenging stretch. Gannon expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome difficulties but stressed fundamental play: “Technique and fundamentals,” he said. “Which leads to execution. Which leads to complementary football. Which leads to not getting the brakes beat off you at home.”
A critical moment occurred late in the first half when Matt Haack’s punt pinned Los Angeles deep in its own territory, but Stafford led a quick scoring drive capped by Nacua’s second touchdown catch before halftime.
Michael Wilson finished with 11 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns for Arizona, while McBride tied an NFL record for consecutive games by a tight end with at least five catches.
Bilal Nichols (knee), Paris Johnson Jr. (knee), and Jalen Thompson (hamstring) were among those injured during Sunday’s loss.
