Clearly extra snug on the highway, the Playing cards at the moment are 3-3 at residence after one other prime time loss.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals (10-3) have been so assured of their possibilities of locking up a playoff berth that tickets already went on sale. However followers should preserve ready earlier than it’s official after a primetime 30-23 loss courtesy of the Los Angeles Rams (9-4) spoiled the staff’s shot to safe their first playoff look since 2015.
Clearly extra snug on the highway, the Playing cards at the moment are 3-3 at residence.
On the Cardinals’ preliminary drive, Matt Prater cut up the uprights on a 53-yarder and Los Angeles instantly went three-and-out afterward.
A number of lengthy receptions by DeAndre Hopkins and a spectacular one-handed catch by James Conner arrange the Playing cards within the Crimson Zone just for Rams linebacker Ernest Jones to choose off Kyler Murray.
After a tough first drive, Matt Stafford regarded poised for the remainder of the night time, and the Rams ran up the sphere at will and silenced State Farm Stadium with a brief landing reception to Odell Beckham Jr.
The Rams adopted up with a 55-yard subject objective by Matt Homosexual to increase the lead, and Playing cards followers regarded on anxiously.
However then Murray aired it out on a gutsy throw in double protection to Christian Kirk who made the beautiful 41-yard catch.
Conner adopted it up with a 1-yard TD on fourth down. Afterward, each groups traded frantic drives to every rating a subject objective, resulting in a 13-13 tie on the half.
Los Angeles opened the third quarter with a surprising 52-yard landing to Van Jefferson.
On the next possession, one other questionable throw by Murray was tipped, bobbled and intercepted by Rams linebacker Leonard Floyd deep in Arizona territory, resulting in disarray throughout the Cardinals sideline and followers alike.
A landing connection from Stafford to Cooper Kupp blew up Los Angeles’ result in 27-13 in lower than 5 minutes.
In one of many largest assessments of composure all 12 months, Murray led a drive all the way in which into the Crimson Zone solely to show it over on downs after a uncommon drop by Hopkins.
With nerves rattled, it took a artful 36-yard catch from veteran wideout A.J. Inexperienced to get some momentum again for Arizona.
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Conner, who has been a star for the Cardinals in latest video games, muscled into the endzone on an 8-yard run up the center.
And the Playing cards nonetheless had life.
A defensive stand held the Rams to a subject objective, however time was working out for Arizona to chip away at a 10-point deficit.
Although the drive carried the Playing cards inside Prater’s subject objective vary, head coach Kliff Kingsbury opted to go for it on fourth and brief solely to get burned.
Rams cross rusher Aaron Donald wrecked Arizona’s offensive line and steadily commanded two defenders to maintain him in verify. He nonetheless managed three sacks and harassed Murray all night time.
A desperation drive led to a subject objective for Arizona, and Zaven Collins managed to get better the onside kick – giving the staff one final shot.
However confusion swirled throughout the staff on the ultimate drive, and the sport ended with Donald dropping Murray as time expired.
Accidents
The Rams have been with out tight finish Tyler Higbee and star secondary member Jalen Ramsey. Each have been positioned on the staff’s reserve/COVID-19 record.
Cardinals working again James Conner was injured in the course of the ultimate drive. It is unknown what situation he is in.
What’s subsequent?
Arizona will journey to Detroit to face the Lions (1-11-1) at 11 a.m. on Dec. 19.
The Rams will host the Seattle Seahawks (5-8) at 2:25 p.m. on Dec. 19.
Cardinals vs Rams in photographs
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