Maybe the Cardinals should only play at SoFi Stadium.
Arizona picked up its second win of the season on Sunday, stunning the Rams 18-16 for the club’s second victory of the season.
The first took place in Week 1 at the same venue against the Chargers.
Entering the week ranked 26th in yards allowed and 32nd in points allowed, Arizona stifled the Los Angeles offense throughout the contest.
The Rams had barely 100 yards at halftime with three three-and-outs. It didn’t help the team that the team lost its new kicker, Blake Grupe, to a knee injury early in the game.
But the Cardinals were able to control the ball and the clock throughout the afternoon, earning a time of possession from 34:52 to 25:08. And although the club never reached the end zone, Chad Ryland was automatic in Rams territory with all six of his field goals — including his 43-yard make as time expired to give Arizona the victory.
Los Angeles reached the end zone twice – once with a 15-yard Blake Corum touchdown run in the second quarter. It then took until 47 seconds remained on the clock for Matthew Stafford to find Colby Parkinson for a 6-yard touchdown. With Grupe out, punter Ethan Evans gave the Rams the lead with a successful extra point.
But that lead didn’t hold, as Jacoby Brissett connected with Jalen Brooks for a 21-yard run to open the ensuing Cardinals possession. An unnecessary roughness penalty added for 15 yards, putting Arizona within field goal range.
A few plays later, Ryland sent his sixth kick through the uprights for the victory.
Brissett finished the day 24-of-35 passing for 218 yards with one interception. Trey McBride led with seven catches for 53 yards.
On the other side, Stafford finished 25 of 33 for 222 yards with two touchdowns. Puka Nacua had six receptions for 80 yards. Davante Adams – who left the field late in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury – had three catches for 39 yards.
The Cardinals now have more wins at SoFi Stadium this season – two – than the Rams and Chargers, who have one combined.
At 2-4, Arizona will be at home to host the Broncos in Week 7.
The 2-4 Rams are reeling and will be in Las Vegas next weekend to face the Raiders.
Gn sports
