The Los Angeles Rams are back on top of the NFC West after a 38-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
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Story of the Game
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense got off to a hot start with a 59-yard touchdown pass to Dan Arnold in the first series of the game, but that did not set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. After the touchdown, Murray did not complete a pass until 44 seconds left in the half. Outside of the 59-yard touchdown, Murray completed just two of his 11 attempts for 14 yards.
The stout Los Angeles defense — ranked second in EPA per play allowed heading into Week 13 — did not allow another reception to gain 15-plus yards after the initial blown coverage to Arnold. The unit came into this game allowing the fewest such receptions through the first 12 weeks.
Jared Goff had a ton of success against an inconsistent Cardinals defense. He eclipsed the 350-yard mark for the third time this season and was able to move the chains on the money downs. On third down, Goff had a 90.9 completion percentage and a 141.3 passer rating.
The duo of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp combined for 18 receptions and 153 receiving yards. Darrell Henderson added a clutch 38-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, while rookie running back Cam Akers is finding his footing in the Rams' offense, getting a career-high in carries (21) and his second straight week with over 70 yards rushing.
Rookie Watch
Akers was the lead back for the Rams once again. The rookie out of Florida State is averaging 5.2 yards per carry and has 10 carries gaining 5-plus yards since Week 12. Akers even contributed a 22-yard reception — the second-longest reception of the game for the Rams. Fellow rookie Van Jefferson caught all four of his targets for 27 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, Jordan Fuller played 62 defensive snaps, was targeted four times and allowed three receptions and a touchdown. Isaiah Simmons, the Cardinals' hybrid linebacker, allowed four receptions for a touchdown while also pressuring Goff once.
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