With multiple key players out of the lineup, many counted out the Los Angeles Rams heading into their Week 14 matchup against the Cardinals. Jalen Ramsey and Tyler Higbee were both put on the COVID-19 list on Monday leading up to the game. Therefore, Aaron Donald knew he would have to step-up and he did just that. Donald finished the game with 3 sacks, including the one that sealed the game on the final play.

Rams Dominate Through the Air

Matthew Stafford came into the game knowing it would take a strong performance to take down the NFL’s top team. Stafford threw for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 turnovers while completing 77% of his passes (23/30). Cooper Kupp was Stafford’s main target all night, hauling in 13 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown. Odell Beckham Jr. was also able to have a big game as he reeled in 6 receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown. The big play through the air, however, went to Van Jefferson on the Rams’ first possession of the second half as he streaked down the middle of the field, outrunning all defenders, on a 52-yard bomb that resulted in a touchdown.

Rams Defense Has Strong Performance Without Top CB, Jalen Ramsey

Even without considerably the best cornerback in football, Jalen Ramsey, the Rams defense was able to pick-off Kyler Murray twice. Ernest Jones and Leonard Floyd were both able to come up with big interceptions that led to Rams touchdowns following both turnovers. This shows how pivotal it is to win the turnover battle in the NFL, as those turnovers can turn into points quickly.

The Rams defense gave up 61 rushing yards to Kyler Murray in an attempt to contain him, which was the most he has had all-season in a game. Murray, however, had to evade the pass-rush of the Rams, which was able to bring him down 4 times collectively. This led to him being constantly on the move all night. Although Murray’s stat line shows his best rushing game of the season, the defense was able to limit the Cardinals’ big plays consistently by forcing him to have to escape the pocket and find yards on the ground.

Player of the Game: Rams WR, Cooper Kupp

Cooper Kupp proved once again to be the most reliable target in the NFL as he continually took advantage of the defense playing off of him. Kupp was able to find holes, picking up first down after first down. Stafford and Kupp connected on one long play late in the game but most targets thrown Kupp’s way were in short ranges. This was part of their game plan to get their star receiver involved early and often, while allowing him to make plays after the catch.

Matthew Stafford also deserves a lot of credit in this game as he put up a phenomenal performance. He was able to keep the chains moving and not turn the ball over, which has been a struggle of his trying to make the big play too often. The offense also used Sony Michel often, as he finished the game with 20 carries for 79 yards. By using Michel, the Rams were able to use the play-action passing attack to push the ball downfield. Their performance reminded me of the Sean McVay offense when it was at its peak and I believe their success will continue moving forward.

Predictions and Results

Prior to the game, I had put out an article previewing this matchup. You can find that article here. In that article, I laid out the keys to victory for both teams. The Rams hit on most of the keys laid out, while the Cardinals were unable to really hit on any of the keys. As a result, my score prediction of 27-21 was fairly close, and the Rams were able to get the win 30-23.

Another prediction was that Odell Beckham Jr. would be a difference maker in this game and have a similar stat-line as he did when he went up against the Cardinals as a member of the Cleveland Browns. Beckham Jr. finished with 5 receptions for 79 yards in Week 6 with the Browns. He finished with 6 receptions for 77 yards in this match-up, while also adding a touchdown. If the Rams offense wants to continue dominating, Beckham Jr. will have to keep putting up similar performances.

What’s Next for the Rams?

The Los Angeles Rams (9-4) will be playing in front of their home crowd at SoFi Stadium against another division rival, as the Seattle Seahawks (5-8) come to town in Week 15. It will be another key game for the Rams as they look to try and secure the division title. The Rams will need to win next week to keep-up with the Cardinals, however. The Cardinals should presumably get the win in Week 15, as they will face the Detroit Lions.

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