The Arizona Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-17 in a battle of the backup quarterbacks. Rams' Matthew Stafford was out with a concussion and Cardinals' Kyler Murray was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Colt McCoy had the start for the Cardinals, while John Wolford started for the home team.
The Cardinals improved to 4-6 on the year, while the defending Super Bowl champions fell to 3-6. Not only did the Rams lose another pivotal division game, but they lost All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp as well. Kupp, who finished the game with three catches for -1 yards (not a misprint!) appeared to aggravate his right ankle in the third quarter and did not return. He originally injured that ankle late in a Week 8 blowout loss to the 49ers.
The game started off slowly offensively, with just a field goal a piece until the end of the second quarter, when the Cardinals finally got in the end zone. James Conner was ultimately to thank for the TD, getting in with a 4-yard rush.
The Cardinals got some momentum from the first touchdown and came back before the half ended to score another one, this time in a pass from McCoy to A.J. Green.
The Cardinals already have their backup in and following an injury to McCoy in the third quarter, they were forced to bring in their third string QB Trace McSorley. McCoy later re-entered the game.
Why the Cardinals won
The Cardinals did not come out swinging, with just a field goal on the board as the second quarter was winding down, but once they did find their rhythm their game changed in a big way. In less than two minutes, the Cardinals score two touchdowns, making a statement, taking a solid lead and going into halftime with the momentum.
McCoy showed he can make some difficult throws and ended the game with 238 yards and a touchdown, despite having to leave the game for some time due to an injury. When McCoy did go out for a few plays and Trace McSorley came in, the offense adjusted and did not make any crucial mistakes with their third-stringer in.
The matchup to watch was DeAndre Hopkins vs. Jalen Ramsey and D-Hop was able to make a lot of plays against the coverage, which ended up being a major difference-maker for the offense. Hopkins ended the day with 98 yards on 10 receptions. James Conner was the rushing leader, with 69 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Why the Rams lost
The Rams only got in the end zone once before their garbage time TD, which these days will rarely get you a win in the NFL. Their second touchdown as the game was ending was far from enough to win and they needed to have that red zone efficiency before it was too late.
They also had two turnovers on the day, one fumble and one interception, another stat that is difficult to have and win in this league.
Los Angeles struggled on the ground and its rushing leader, Cam Akers, had just 22 yards on six carries.
The Rams specifically struggled offensively in the second quarter, with no first downs in the quarter as they took the ball with less than two minutes remaining in the half.
The Rams defense did a good job of stopping the Cardinals for the beginning of the game, but gave up two touchdowns in two minutes ahead of the half. The offense was never able to catch up and the Cardinals did not lose that lead for the rest of the game.
Turning point
Arizona's second touchdown really set the tone for the game and the offense running over the Rams defense twice in two minutes further proved who the more experienced and prepared quarterback was on the day. The TD was a A.J. Green 6-yard reception that gave Arizona a 17-3 comfortable lead heading into the half.
Play of the game
This incredible catch, that set up James Conner's second touchdown on the day, is an easy pick for play of the game.
What's next
The Cardinals face the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 21 on "Monday Night Football" in Mexico City. Whether or not Murray will be able to return to play will be the main storyline to watch.
The Rams head to New Orleans next week to face the Saints, who lost this week to the Pittsburgh Steelers.