Inglewood, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams endured an offensive struggle and a tense defensive stand to secure a narrow 13-9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, keeping their NFC West title hopes alive.
In a game defined by gritty plays and missed opportunities, the Rams (10-6) relied on a crucial interception by Ahkello Witherspoon with just 37 seconds left. With Arizona threatening at the Los Angeles 5-yard line, Witherspoon made a diving grab on a deflected pass in the end zone to seal the win.
Puka Nacua delivered a stellar performance with 129 receiving yards, while Kyren Williams scored the game’s only touchdown for the Rams. Despite a lackluster offensive showing, Los Angeles extended its winning streak to five games.
“We didn’t do a lot of things well tonight,” quarterback Matthew Stafford admitted after passing for 189 yards. “But we found a way to win, and that’s what matters.”
The Rams now turn their attention to next week’s regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks (9-7). However, they could clinch the NFC West title before then if a combination of results from other teams over the weekend works in their favor.
Cardinals Push Rams to the Brink
The Cardinals (7-9), eliminated from playoff contention last week, played a strong defensive game and had multiple chances to take control late. Kyler Murray threw for 321 yards but was intercepted twice in the fourth quarter, including Witherspoon’s game-saving pick.
Arizona’s final drive ended heartbreakingly when Murray’s pass deflected off tight end Trey McBride’s helmet, allowing Witherspoon to make the interception. The play was upheld on review despite the ball briefly touching the ground.
“You never know how those reviews will go,” Witherspoon said. “I thought I had it clean, but seeing the replay made me nervous.”
McBride, who set a franchise record for receptions by a tight end this season, caught his first touchdown of the year and finished with 12 receptions for 123 yards. Marvin Harrison Jr. added 96 receiving yards for Arizona.
Defensive Battles and Missed Chances
Kyren Williams gave the Rams an early lead with his 14th rushing touchdown of the season late in the second quarter. Arizona responded in the third with McBride’s 1-yard touchdown catch, but Michael Hoecht blocked the extra point, keeping the Rams ahead 7-6.
The Cardinals pulled within one point early in the fourth quarter on Chad Ryland’s short field goal. However, Rams rookie Joshua Karty added a 32-yard field goal to extend the lead to 13-9 with 6:41 remaining.
Arizona’s final push saw them reach the Rams’ 40-yard line, but rookie Kam Kinchens intercepted Murray’s desperation throw with 3:02 left. Although Kinchens’ decision to return the pick cost the Rams field position, their defense held firm in the closing moments.
“I thought we had that game,” Murray said. “We moved the ball well, but a couple of bad breaks at the end cost us.”
Key Contributions and Injuries
- Hoecht’s Impact: Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht blocked his third kick of the season, the second-most in franchise history.
- Injuries: Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams was evaluated for a concussion, and running back James Conner was limited with a knee injury. For the Rams, right tackle Rob Havenstein missed the game with a shoulder injury, forcing backup Joe Noteboom into action, where he committed three holding penalties.
What’s Next
The Rams will face Seattle in a high-stakes matchup next Sunday, with the division title potentially already decided. Meanwhile, the Cardinals close out their season at home against the San Francisco 49ers.
