Los Angeles Rams Defense Shared Offense's Momentum vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Los Angeles Rams-Arizona Cardinals game on Sunday was truly a tale of two halves.
Both defenses were efficient in the red zone/the other side of the field for the first 30 minutes, as five combined field goals—three for Arizona and two for Los Angeles—were the only methods of putting points on the board.
However, the Rams' defense couldn't really showcase their talents in the third quarter, as Arizona couldn't stop Los Angeles running back Kyren Williams. The Rams logged 18 plays, including a touchdown and a field goal, that ate up practically the entire third quarter, while the Cardinals' offense was on the gridiron for just three plays before punting.
Williams continued his third-quarter dominance at the start of the fourth with multiple long runs, including one for 27 yards. He ended the drive with a four-yard touchdown run to take a 23-9 lead. It's worth noting that receiver Cooper Kupp was also a factor in the possession as he hauled in two consecutive catches for a combined 29 yards.
Nevertheless, their opening possession of the final period wouldn't have been so smooth without linebacker Christian Rozeboom's interception. Besides a couple of long receptions, the Rams' defense got the job done in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles scored their final three points after rookie Byron Young strip-sacked Dobbs (Aaron Donald added pressure) and Quentin Lake recovered.
Los Angeles Rams' Ernest Jones (53), Jonah Williams (92) and Byron Young (0) celebrating a sack.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
On the Cardinals' final possession (besides the ending with a few seconds left), Donald forced an intentional grounding, and Rozeboom followed it with a fourth-down pass-breakup.
Arizona's first three possessions of the fourth quarter ended with an interception, fumble and a turnover on downs.
The Rams did a stellar job on Sunday, as they didn't allow a single touchdown. The pass rush was arguably the best unit due to the constant quarterback hits (9) and pressures. The secondary also performed well as the team collectively recorded seven pass breakups, including two from Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon.
Donald is obviously the most notable member of the Rams defense, but linebacker Ernest Jones deserves more recognition. The 23-year-old has led Los Angeles in tackles every game this season, including this past Sunday. He is currently tied for the NFL's fourth-most tackles (63) and tackles for loss (8—same as Donald).
Rams coach Sean McVay was very pleased with how his defense performed.
“I thought we were able to affect and influence (Cardinals quarterback Joshua) Dobbs all day," McVay said during the post-game press conference. "I thought the rush did a good job. We rushed with integrity. I thought we really played 11 as one on defense and to be able to get a couple of those turnovers. I'm really proud of our guys."
