Rams @ Cardinals
Final Score: Rams 37, Cardinals 14
Writer: Justin Mello (@JustinMelloNE on Twitter)
The Rams went into Arizona and absolutely dismantled the Cardinals. Both teams scored touchdowns on their opening drives, but it was all Los Angeles from there. Kyren Williams and Royce Freeman took the lunch money of every Cardinal defender who had no chance of stopping the run game. Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes without even getting his wide receivers involved. It was complete domination, and it kept the playoff hopes of the Rams alive. As for the Cardinals, at least they’ll have a great draft pick, right?
Three Up
- Kyren Williams – He is healthy and ready to rumble. It was a dominating performance.
- Matthew Stafford – It was his best game of the season. This offense may have found its rhythm.
- Trey McBride – He again looked like a crisp route runner who may be the best receiving option in this offense.
Three Down
- Cooper Kupp – He looked like a very different version of himself compared to the prior two seasons. The ankle may be a significant issue. If it’s not, then his age is.
- Kyler Murray – Murray looked hopeless. He could not get this offense going against an otherwise underwhelming Rams defense.
- Rondale Moore – Despite the athleticism and explosiveness he possesses, he was not a contributor at all on Sunday. It doesn’t appear like he’ll develop into a legitimate starting receiver in the NFL.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford: 25/33, 229 yards, 4 TDs, INT | 1 carry, 2 yards
This was possibly the best Matthew Stafford has played over the last two seasons. He benefited substantially from the productive run game of the Rams, and he made plays when he needed to in the convincing win. His top two receivers had shockingly little usage, but they weren’t needed much. Stafford dipped and dunked the ball to his tight ends and running backs while mixing in some deep shots to Tutu Atwell. The hopeless Cardinals defense had no answers. He didn’t have to do anything spectacular, but Stafford was impressive nonetheless.
Notes
- Frequently threw short passes toward the sideline.
- Threw an ugly interception into tight coverage, but that was his only massively negative play.
Running Back
Kyren Williams: 16 carries, 143 yards | 6 targets, 6 receptions, 61 yards, 2 TDs
I think it’s safe to say that the ankle is fine. Kyren Williams looked just as explosive as ever in this one. The Ram offensive line was successful in clearing out Cardinal defenders and creating running lanes, and Williams took full advantage. He ran angrily and fought for extra yardage while also being Stafford’s favorite weapon in the passing game. This game made it clear that there is no reason to worry about his health going forward.
Notes
- Turned check-down passes into big gains and touchdowns.
- Looked elusive and healthy.
Royce Freeman: 13 carries, 77 yards, TD
The backup did most of his damage late when the game got out of hand. Even though he was playing second fiddle to Williams, Royce Freeman did his job when called upon. The Cardinals’ defense looked defeated while trying to tackle the fresh-legged bruiser. His best run was his 23-yard touchdown where he bounced off defenders like a pinball and broke free down the right sideline for a garbage-time score.
Notes
- Played as a distant number two option to Williams
- Ran like he’s angry at the world.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Cooper Kupp: 5 targets, 3 receptions, 18 yards
The former Offensive Player of the Year wasn’t really needed much in this one. Even though the Rams dominated without him contributing much, it is concerning how unproductive Cooper Kupp was. It may just be the ankle injury hobbling him, but he didn’t look as agile or quick as he usually does. He seldom created separation and also did very little after the catch the few times he had the ball in his hands. It is fair to wonder if Kupp’s best days are behind him. At the very least, it would help him to get fully healthy.
Notes
- Lacked elusiveness and burst during his routes.
Puka Nacua: 8 targets, 4 receptions, 27 yards
Like Kupp, Puka Nacua had a quiet day. He was routinely used as a lead blocker as the Rams played with a lead. In fact, I only counted one play where Nacua was in motion at the snap and the Rams threw the ball… and he was in motion at the snap a lot. He was really used more as a de facto fullback than a receiver in this one as he’d burst through the hole and lead the way for his running back after the snap. For what it’s worth, he did a good job after the catch when he was able to get the ball. His large frame made it tough for defenders to bring him down, and he ground out extra yardage.
Notes
- Sean McVay used him heavily as a blocker.
Missed Opportunities
- Was targeted in the end zone twice but could not beat the tough coverage.
Tutu Atwell: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 76 yards
The speedster did a great job while operating as a perimeter threat who could stretch the field. Tutu Atwell’s first catch came on a bomb down the right sideline which converted a 3rd & long and helped the Rams eventually score a touchdown on their first drive. He continued to contribute and keep the defense on their heels even though he wasn’t targeted heavily.
Tyler Higbee: 5 targets, 5 receptions, 29 yards, 2 TDs
After not scoring a touchdown all season, Tyler Higbee scored LA’s first two touchdowns of the game in this one. He didn’t do anything too incredible, but he worked his way open on short crossing routes which was enough to have a major impact. The defense seemed to be extra focused on Kupp and Nacua, and Higbee made them pay the price.
Arizona Cardinals
Quarterback
Kyler Murray: 27/45, 256 yards, TD | 1 carry, 2 yards, TD
I’ll put up my hand and admit that I thought Kyler Murray would have a huge game against the Rams. Instead, he looked lost out there. The first drive ended in eight points (and a rushing touchdown for Murray) as the offense was clicking. It was all downhill from there though. Murray failed to connect on any of the moon shots that he typically likes to take, and he eventually seemed to give up on those as he settled for sad check-downs that went nowhere. He frequently ran around the backfield frantically but never turned it into an explosive play. He didn’t even record a rushing attempt after his touchdown on the first drive. His only passing touchdown came in garbage time with the Rams taking their foot off the gas pedal. After the hot start, it ended up being a disappointing game for Murray who had no answer for the Ram defense.
Notes
- Looked frantic and overwhelmed.
- Failed to overcome penalties which set the offense back.
Running Back
James Conner: 6 carries, 27 yards | 5 targets, 4 receptions, 5 yards
The game script really worked against James Conner in this one. The Cardinals gave up on running the ball pretty quickly once the Rams started pulling away. He was relatively effective and showcased power between the tackles, but they needed the passing game to take over. He was also involved in that capacity but with little results. Murray used him as a check-down option that routinely got dragged down before he could even go anywhere. It was a day to forget overall.
Missed Opportunities
- Got stuffed by the goal line on the first drive of the game for the Cardinals.
Michael Carter: 4 carries, 19 yards | 4 targets, 4 receptions, 15 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Marquise Brown: 12 targets, 6 receptions, 88 yards
Kyler Murray’s college teammate was his favorite target in this one. Despite the opportunities though, Marquise Brown was unable to put up huge numbers. He did have one nice play where he picked up 36 yards even though he got away with what was probably offensive pass interference. The volume was a great sign overall, but he didn’t work open downfield often enough to have the impact Cardinals fans were hoping for. His elite speed just hasn’t been enough.
Rondale Moore: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 35 yards
It was a pedestrian day for Rondale Moore who was once again an afterthought in the offense. He was targeted near the goal line on a deep shot late in the game, but he was unable to haul it in.
Missed Opportunities
- Could not beat coverage on a late deep shot.
Greg Dortch: 9 targets, 3 receptions, 27 yards, TD
Greg Dortch was the more involved slot option for the Cardinals, but he still only recorded three catches as he wasn’t always on the same page with his quarterback. He did make the highlight play of the day with his garbage time touchdown when he hauled in the ball onehanded in the back of the end zone, but it was a quiet day otherwise.
Trey McBride: 9 targets, 7 receptions, 60 yards
For yet another week, Trey McBride was a bright spot in the offense. Used primarily underneath on shallow routes, the tight end was an effective check-down option. He was largely held back by the ineptness of the offense around him, but McBride still looked like a polish route runner who should continue to be utilized.