Wide receiver Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals drops pass in the end zone against cornerback Darious Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass for first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals scramble against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams catches pass and runs for first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams fans celebrate after defeating the Arizona Cardinals 13-9 to win a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals catches pass for first down over safety Quentin Lake #37 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams passes against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams and his staff reacted against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Cornerback Josh Wallace #30 of the Los Angeles Rams recovers a blocked field goal attempt against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass intended for tight end Trey McBride (not pictured) of the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Trey McBride #85 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Tight end Trey McBride #85 of the Arizona Cardinals dives for the touchdown against cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with teammates cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. #25 of the Los Angeles Rams and linebacker Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Safety Kamren Kinchens #26 of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Safety Kamren Kinchens #26 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after intercepting a pass intended for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams intercepts a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams shakes hands with quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals after defeating the Arizona Cardinals 13-9 to win a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams knocks away a pass in the end zone intended for tight end Trey McBride #85 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after knocking away a pass in the end zone intended for tight end Trey McBride #85 of the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
A young Los Angeles Rams fan looks on in the first half of a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams prepare to pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for the touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams scrambles for the first down against linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. #2 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals stopped on fourth and one by the Los Angeles Rams defense in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals stopped on fourth and one by the Los Angeles Rams defense in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals passes against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals drops pass in the end zone against cornerback Darious Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore #92 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams scrambles for the first down against linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. #2 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore #92 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass for first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is asked by linebacker Byron Young #0 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Running back Kyren Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Rams runs for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals drops pass in the end zone against cornerback Darious Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams catches pass for first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is asked by linebacker Byron Young (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Arizona Cardinals catches pass over cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon #4 of the Los Angeles Rams for a first down in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Defensive tackle Braden Fiske, right, of the Los Angeles Rams sacks quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals as teammate defensive tackle Kobie Turner, left, of the Los Angeles Rams comes in late in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams catches a pass for first down against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
Defensive tackle Braden Fiske #55 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after sacking quarterback Kyler Murray (no pictured) of the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
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Wide receiver Michael Wilson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals drops pass in the end zone against cornerback Darious Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Orange County Register/ SCNG)
INGLEWOOD — After an interception with less than four minutes left, the Rams leading the Arizona Cardinals by four, safety Kamren Kinchens ran into the end zone he had just successfully defended. His teammates joined him for a celebratory dance, believing they had done enough to leave SoFi Stadium with a win.
Instead, the Rams offense, tasked with putting the game away, failed to get a first down for the fourth time in the game. They punted the ball away to the Cardinals before the two-minute warning.
And the weary Rams defense, on the field for 36:55 of game time, kept getting pushed further and further back until their backs were up against that same end zone. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray tried to squeeze the ball in to tight end Trey McBride. The ball bounced off his helmet into the air, and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon dove, catching the ball centimeters away from the ground for the interception, the nose touching the turf as he came down.
As the officials went to review the play, even Witherspoon wasn’t sure what the call would be. “I thought I stuck it,” Witherspoon said. “Any time that ball hits the ground, you never know.”
Ultimately, the play was upheld. And 15 weeks after being embarrassed to the tune of 41 points and 489 yards against these same Cardinals, it was the Rams’ defense that secured a 13-9 win.
“It was a revenge game,” safety Kam Curl said. “We know we’re a totally different team than we was Week 2, and I feel like we came out here and proved that.”
They gave up 396 yards, but the Rams (10-6) held Arizona to 6-for-13 on third down, 0-for-2 on fourth and, most importantly, 1-for-4 in the red zone. They sacked Murray four times, including two from rookie defensive lineman Braden Fiske. Linebacker Jared Verse walled off James Conner on a fourth-down run to turn the ball over on downs in the red zone. Witherspoon dove to break up a pass in the end zone in the third quarter.
And they were able to shake off the few mistakes they made. Outside linebacker Michael Hoecht’s defensive holding call in the end zone gave the Cardinals (7-9) a fresh start at the Rams 1. But after McBride scored on a screen pass, Hoecht leaped up to block the extra point, his third blocked kick of the year.
“We know that was early on in the season,” outside linebacker Byron Young said of the first game against Arizona, “but at the same time we had to own up to that game. We knew we could have played better and we showed that.”
Meanwhile, the Rams offense started the game mired in the same slog that has dominated first quarters for the team this season.
Four drives, 60 yards, 1-for-5 on third down and four punts. And a 13th first quarter without a touchdown in 16 games. The Cardinals’ pass rush was hurrying Stafford as Joe Noteboom struggled in place of Rob Havenstein (shoulder) at right tackle.
“It does come down to, ‘Let’s execute, let’s do what we’re supposed to do snap in and snap out, let’s not have penalties that set us back,’ ” head coach Sean McVay said. “But we all gotta be better and it will always start with me.”
As the defense shut the Cardinals out in the first half, the offense finally got going after a 29-yard catch-and-run from receiver Cooper Kupp. Stafford narrowly avoided three interceptions on the drive, but his loping scramble got the Rams to the Arizona 5 and Kyren Williams punched the ball in from the 1.
Add in a 53-yard Josh Karty field goal after Puka Nacua moved the Rams 42 yards and into range, and the team had a 10-0 lead at the half.
A fourth-quarter field goal from Karty was all the scoring and the offense managed in the second half. The unit possessed the ball for a total of 2:12 in the third quarter. The onus was on the Rams’ defense to win the game.
A Young pressure forced a Murray throwaway on third down as the Cardinals settled for a field goal in the red zone. Then, with less than four minutes to play and facing 4th-and-10, Murray heaved a ball to Marvin Harrison Jr. in double coverage at the goal line.
The ball sailed over Harrison’s outstretched arms, and Kinchens came away with the interception, sliding into the Rams 10 after a short return. Witherspoon would seal the win with his own pick one drive later.
The Rams had done their part for the weekend with their eighth one-possession win of the year, giving themselves the chance to clinch the NFC West if three of Buffalo, Minnesota, Cleveland, Washington and San Francisco win over the next two days.
“It would mean a lot,” McVay said, “but what I don’t want to do is get ahead because you get emotionally invested in other people’s games, and that never has really served me very well.”
And the defense had found some redemption for their worst outing of the season.
“Tough,” McVay said of the group. “Guys that give themselves an opportunity to make them play that next snap, see what ends up happening. Tonight, I thought that was on display in a big way.”
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