Stafford throws three TDs as Rams defeat Cardinals

Matthew Stafford threw three touchdown passes and the Los Angeles defense contributed two interceptions as the Rams beat the Cardinals 30-23 on Monday night to prevent Arizona from becoming the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season.

Story of the Game

Odell Beckham Jr., Van Jefferson and Cooper Kupp each had a touchdown catch for the second straight week as the Rams (9-4) won consecutive games for the first time since October, moving one game behind NFC West-leading Arizona.

Stafford was 23 of 30 for 287 yards while teammate Sony Michel gained 79 yards on 20 carries and the NFL’s receiving leader Kupp had 13 catches for 123 yards along with his score.

The Rams had a number of COVID-19 absences, including defensive back Jalen Ramsey, running back Darrell Henderson, right tackle Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee.

Kyler Murray was 32 of 49 for 383 yards and no touchdowns for the Cardinals (10-3), who are 3-3 since starting the season 7-0, while James Conner had 31 yards rushing with two touchdowns alongside nine catches for 94 yards.

Arizona wide receiver A.J. Green had seven receptions for 102 yards, passing 10,000 career receiving yards.

Six-time All-Pro Aaron Donald was dominant up front for the Rams as he collected three sacks on the night, the first on the game’s opening play from scrimmage and the third as time ran out in the fourth quarter.

“That’s what the best do. They play their best when the best is required,” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “We talk about competitive greatness all the time and this guy is the epitome of competitive greatness. Really proud of Aaron. Not at all surprised.”

The Cardinals had an opportunity to level the game in the final seconds having recovered an onside kick, only for a holding call to wipe out Murray’s 15-yard run on the first play of the drive to dash late hopes.

Stats leaders

Rams

Passing: Matthew Stafford, 23/30, 287 yards, 3 TDsRushing: Sony Michel, 20 carries, 79 yards Receiving: Cooper Kupp, 13 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD

Cardinals

Passing: Kyler Murray, 32/49, 383 yards, 2 INTsRushing: Kyler Murray, seven carries, 61 yardsJames Conner, 13 carries, 31 yards, 2 TDsReceiving: A.J. Green, seven catches, 102 yards

Scoring Summary

Key Plays

With the Cardinals on the way to a potential double-digit lead in the first quarter, Murray was intercepted at the goal line by Rams linebacker Ernest Jones.

The Rams turned the gift into a 68-yard drive that ended in a Beckham two-yard touchdown reception for a 7-3 advantage early in the second.

After the Rams took a 10-3 lead on a 55-yard field goal from Matt Gay, the Cardinals tied it on a one-yard touchdown run from Conner with 3:18 left in the first half, the former Pittsburgh Steelers running back having now reached the end zone in seven consecutive games.

Both teams added field goals before the half to tie the game 13 apiece.

Stafford put the Rams up 27-13 in the third quarter on a 52-yard strike to Jefferson and a four-yard score to Kupp that came after Murray was intercepted by Leonard Floyd at the Cardinals’ 30 yard-line.

Conner scored on an eight-yard touchdown run with 13:38 remaining to pull Arizona within 27-20, before Los Angeles answered with a 60-yard drive ending in a 33-yard field goal from Gay with 7:20 remaining for a 30-20 lead.

The Rams thwarted the Cardinals on fourth down twice in the second half, including with 5:17 remaining when Conner was stopped at the Los Angeles 37 on fourth-and-one.

Cardinals kicker Matt Prater had two 53-yard field goals in the first half and a 49-yarder with 37 seconds remaining.

What’s Next?

The Rams continue their hunt for top spot in the NFC West with a divisional clash at home to the Seattle Seahawks (5-8), while the Cardinals head to the Detroit Lions (1-11-1).

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