Live In-Game Updates: FINAL: Cooper Kupp Injured, Cardinals Beat Rams 27-17
The Los Angeles Rams still have an ugly taste in their mouth after a gut-wrenching loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But the Rams have a chance to climb out of the 3-5 hole they've got themselves into, and it starts on Sunday at home against the Arizona Cardinals (3-6).
In an NFC West battle that could all but decimate the postseason hopes for whoever fails to come out on top, Rams star defensive tackle Aaron Donald is making sure his team is locked in.
"My main purpose of playing football is to win," Donald said. "I’m going to do everything in my power to motivate the guys around me, try to motivate myself to continue to do that because like I said, we’re still alive.”
On the surface, a win could be in favor of the Rams since Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will not suit up due to a hamstring injury. This inserts veteran backup Colt McCoy into the starting role for Arizona.
But LA quarterback Matthew Stafford is out as well due to a concussion. John Wolford is now fixing to get the start in a battle of the backups.
Live updates will appear below at kickoff.
FIRST QUARTER
Wolford began with an eight-yard completion to receiver Ben Skowronek before Darrell Henderson Jr. picked up the first on a six-yard carry. Sean McVay then elected to put third-string quarterback Bryce Perkins for a play.
The Rams then had an ensuing fourth-and-short that running back Cam Akers converted.
Rams receiver Allen Robinson II got started early with two early catches, the first going for 14 yards.
FIELD GOAL RAMS: Matt Gay nails a 36-yard field goal to give LA the early lead.
Rams 3, Cardinals 0
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The Cardinals got started out with a 14-yard completion from McCoy to receiver Rondale Moore before finding star receiver DeAndre Hopkins for 13 yards.
FIELD GOAL CARDINALS: Arizona kicker Tristan Vizcaino nailed a 36-yard field goal to tie the game after a 14-play, 57-yard drive.
Rams 3, Cardinals 3
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END OF FIRST QUARTER
Rams 3, Cardinals 3
SECOND QUARTER
Wolford and the Rams quickly went three-and-out, as the longest play was a four-yard carry by Akers.
change of possession
The Cardinals went three-and-out as well. Hopkins dropped a high pass from McCoy on third down that would've moved the chains.
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The Rams' offensive struggles continued, as the team went three-and-out again.
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An incomplete pass to Hopkins and a dropped pass from Moore set the Cardinals back to a quick third down. Moore was unable to find the chains on a catch-and-run on the third down.
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After the fifth straight three-and-out -- which saw the Rams get behind the chains after a false start on third down -- continued the brutal offensive start for both teams.
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McCoy found Hopkins for four straight completions totaling 38 yards.
The Cardinals were faced with a 4th and 1 after running back James Connor was stopped short. McCoy scrambled on an improvised bootleg to pick up the necessary yardage.
TOUCHDOWN CARDINALS: Connor went untouched into the end zone after McCoy picked up the first.
Cardinals 10, Rams 3
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Wolford found Henderson Jr. for an 11-yard completion.
FUMLBE RECOVERY CARDINALS: But Wolford was then sacked and fumbled after replay overturned what was originally called an incomplete pass. JJ Watt recovered the loose ball.
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TOUCHDOWN CARDINALS: McCoy lobbed a fade to receiver AJ Green who got both feet down at the back left corner of the end zone. The score extended Arizona's lead right before half.
Cardinals 17, Rams 3
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HALFTIME: Cardinals 17, Rams 3
THIRD QUARTER
Connor picked up seven yards to begin Arizona's drive. But it was a holding call on the Cardinals that negated a 15-yard run and ultimately killed Arizona's drive.
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Akers picked up 10 to begin LA's nex drive, but a sack of Wolford set things back for an ensuing 3rd and 14. Perkins then reentered and ran for eight yards on third down, but it wasn't even close to the sticks as the Rams punted again.
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McCoy then took an awkward fall and was injured on Arizona's first play of the next drive. Trace McSorley replaced him at quarterback and the Cardinals stayed conservative with back-to-back runs that resulted in minimal gains.
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Wolford found Higbee on a screen that resulted in a 25-yard gain early in the drive. He then connected with Robinson for 13 yards and Higbee again for 11. LA was finally starting to show rhythm.
JJ Watt was then called for back-to-back penalties.
TOUCHDOWN RAMS: Henderson Jr. got the goal-line carry and powered in for a four-yard touchdown.
Cardinals 17, Rams 10
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Connor got three straight touches to begin the drive, which included a short gain on third-and-short to give the Cardinals a first down.
McCoy reentered the game and found Hopkins for a 25-yard gain before being sacked two play later, ultimately killing momentum on the drive.
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END OF THIRD QUARTER
FOURTH QUARTER
Wolford found Robinson for a 10-yard gain to begin the drive, but Kupp was injured on the next play and was ruled doubtful to return.
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Connor continued to dominate touches from the backfield, receiving three straight carries on Arizona's next drive. McCoy then connected with Moore for gains of 14 and 26 yards, the second of which was an impressive one-handed grab on fourth down on the sideline.
TOUCHDOWN CARDINALS: Connor finished things off with a diving nine-yard touchdown to extend Arizona's lead.
Cardinals 24, Rams 10
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INTERCEPTION RAMS: Wolford's pass over the middle was tipped up and intercepted by Cardinals safety Budda Baker
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FIELD GOAL ARIZONA: The short field gave the Cardinals a chance at 46-yard field goal after four quick plays.
Cardinals 27, Rams 10
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TOUCHDOWN RAMS: Wolford led an 11-play, 75-yard drive that wqs capped off with a touchdown pass to receiver Van Jefferson with a few seconds remaining.
FINAL: Cardinals 27, Rams 17
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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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