The Los Angeles Rams secured a crucial 13-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, inching closer to clinching a playoff spot and potentially winning the NFC West title. The Rams entered the game needing both a win against the Cardinals and several other teams to support their playoff aspirations, which they received when the Bengals triumphed over the Broncos earlier in the day.
Currently holding a record of 10-6, the Rams will host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18, a game that could become a formality if the Rams manage to secure the necessary tiebreaker this weekend. As of now, they occupy the No. 3 seed in the NFC, leading the Atlanta Falcons by 1.5 games.
Despite winning their last three games, the Rams have struggled offensively, failing to score more than 20 points in each of those contests. This game exemplified those scoring troubles, and emphasized the need for improvement as they move forward. Alarmingly, Los Angeles has not scored a touchdown in the first quarter for the past 13 games, underscoring a persistent challenge for the offense.
On the other side, the Cardinals, having been eliminated from playoff contention, focused on development and found a silver lining in tight end Trey McBride’s first touchdown of the season. Quarterback Kyler Murray showcased resilience despite the team’s struggles; he threw for 321 yards and a touchdown, though he faced two interceptions.
The game was marked by a notable achievement: McBride set an NFL record with 97 receptions before his first touchdown, surpassing the previous record of 92 held by Keyshawn Johnson.
Looking ahead, the Rams aim to solidify their playoff hopes, while the Cardinals will continue to build towards a stronger future as they reflect on a challenging season. The positive takeaway for both teams lies in their potential for growth as they prepare for their upcoming matchups.
In summary, this game highlighted the Rams’ defense and a remarkable individual record for McBride. As playoffs approach, both teams are looking to refine their performances and build a foundation for the future. The Rams are in a strong position for the postseason, and there’s eager anticipation for their Week 18 showdown against the Seahawks.