The Los Angeles Rams concluded the NFL tripleheader on Saturday night with a hard-fought 13-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams took a 10-0 lead into halftime but saw it diminish when Kyler Murray led the Cardinals to a touchdown on their second drive in the second half. The Cardinals and Rams then traded field goals in the fourth quarter, setting up for an exciting finish to the divisional matchup.
With the Rams clinging on to a four-point lead, Murray was driving the Cardinals down the field for a potential game-winning touchdown.
Arizona had the ball on the Rams’ five-yard lineup with 42 seconds left when Murray’s pass to Trey McBride was deflected up in the air and intercepted by Ahkello Witherspoon.
The eight-year veteran discussed his clutch play and said he tried to get the ball at all costs, via Wyatt Miller of TheRams.com:
“Just had eyes back looking for the go ball myself,” Witherspoon said with a deadpan expression. “… Just the way the NFL works, you never really know (how they are going to call that) honestly. I thought I stuck it, you saw by my celebration, but once I saw that replay, any time the ball hits the ground, you never know.”
Witherspoon’s interception helped the Rams’ win probability increase by 55.2%, making it the most impactful defensive play of the NFL season.
The 29-year-old allowed just three catches for 38 yards and a 44.2 passer rating against the Cardinals. He has taken on a larger role over the last three weeks and is playing his best football of the season, recording six pass breakups during the span.
Witherspoon’s game-winning pick put the Rams in position to win the NFC West in Week 17. That came to fruition after they won the strength of victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Sean McVay: Rams likely resting some starters in Week 18
With the division already locked up, Rams head coach Sean McVay hinted that the team will likely rest some key starters against the Seahawks in Week 18.
Matthew Stafford has played every snap this season but could be held out in favor of backup quarter Jimmy Garoppolo.
McVay also suggested that Blake Corum and Cody Schrader could get some work against the Seahawks, which means Kyren Williams will likely be sitting out as well.
Cooper Kupp, Rob Havenstein and Darious Williams will all likely get the week off too as the Rams shift their attention to the playoffs.
