The Los Angeles Rams were able to get back on track with their 38-28 win over the Arizona Cardinals on the road in Week 13.
The Cardinals managed to strike first thanks to some unusual broken coverage by the Rams’ secondary early in the first quarter. Wide receiver Deandre Hopkins drew three defenders away from tight end Dan Arnold for the 59-yard touchdown pass.
All eyes were then on Rams quarterback Jared Goff and how he would respond in this pivotal NFC West matchup. Unfortunately, the offense once again sputtered as it struggled to find its footing before being shut out in the first quarter.
Despite the slow start, the defense managed to respond on the ensuing drive with defensive tackle Aaron Donald recording his 11th sack of the year. The spark they provided would help translate to the offense as they marched downfield in 14 plays to set rookie running back Cam Akers up for a 9-yard touchdown run.
Akers got an opportunity to see an increased workload for the first time this season and made the most of it, carrying the ball 21 times for 72 yards and a touchdown while adding a reception for 22 yards.
With the offense starting to click on all cylinders, head coach Sean McVay maintained a healthy, balanced approach and it paid dividends with a Goff touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Higbee on the following drive.
The defense continued to make Kyler Murray feel uncomfortable in the pocket and never really allowed him to find his rhythm. His mistakes would ultimately prove to be quite costly.
However, the Rams were seemingly on the verge of pulling away until Nsimba Webster fumbled on a punt return inside the team’s own 15-yard line. It did not take long for the Cardinals to capitalize with a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Kenyan Drake.
Fortunately, L.A. managed to respond thanks to the efforts of running back Darrell Henderson and his 38-yard touchdown scamper that put the team back up by 10.
In typical fashion, the secondary wound up sealing the deal thanks to a pick-6 by cornerback Troy Hill that has put the Rams back in first place in the division.
After being called out by his head coach last week, Goff was outstanding, completing 37 of 47 passes for 351 yards and a touchdown, also adding a touchdown on the ground. Most importantly, he took care of the football and didn’t turn it over once in the victory.
