PHX Reporter

Dennis Gardeck had to think back to his college days for the last time he recorded three sacks in a game. "Against Minnesota-Duluth, my fifth-year senior team," Gardeck recalled. However, he understated his performance; in the University of Sioux Falls' 2017 season opener, he actually achieved five sacks.

Gardeck's standout performance on Sunday included three sacks, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble recovered by L.J. Collier, contributing significantly to the Arizona Cardinals' 41-10 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

"It was cool," Gardeck commented. "It's fun. I love playing football with my friends."

Following a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills last weekend, the Cardinals appeared rejuvenated on the field. Marvin Harrison Jr.'s exceptional play and Kyler Murray's dynamic presence were key factors in their success.

The defense also played a crucial role in lifting team spirits. "We had a lot of new stuff we put in, and everyone kind of just caught on to it," linebacker Zaven Collins said. "It's a fun game when it's like that and everything is just clicking well."

Rams running back Kyren Williams had previously troubled the Cardinals with two 140-plus yard performances last season. However, this time Williams and Blake Corum were limited to just 53 yards on 20 carries—an achievement under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

"We knew that's what we had to do to win the game," Gardeck stated. "So, to go out there and execute something that we know we have to do to win the game is cool to see."

With an effective run defense and an increasing lead throughout the game, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford faced predictable passing situations early on. Both Collins and linebacker Krys Barnes managed to sack Stafford aside from Gardeck's efforts.

"I'm just glad it wasn't like the last one," Collins joked about avoiding penalties that cost him his first sack of the season against Buffalo.

An injury-plagued Rams offensive line was another factor that worked in favor of Arizona's defense.

The Cardinals now stand at 1-1 for the season and 1-0 within their division. Safety Budda Baker emphasized how crucial divisional wins are for any team; this victory marked their first home win against the Rams in ten years.

"It was just about out-motoring them and getting all 11 players to converge on every play," Baker said. "It was definitely exciting."

Gardeck has witnessed numerous struggles against the Rams since joining Arizona in 2018 and made sure his teammates understood this history before taking the field.

"That gave me extra motivation throughout the week," Gardeck admitted. "Just got to be dialed in Wednesday, Thursday, Friday... To go out and do it was fun."