LOS ANGELES – Matthew Stafford threw for 226 yards and one touchdown to lead the Los Angeles Rams to a 26-9 victory over the division rival Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
The Rams ended the game with 179 rushing yards after having only five in the first half. Running back Kyren Williams had an electric second half, finishing the game with one touchdown and 158 rushing yards.
“I knew once I got that first down that I was on and I was just hoping I would keep getting my number called,” said Williams in a post-game interview.
After a first half lacking major offensive moments, Rams head coach Sean McVay praised the defense for their efforts. One moment that McVay highlights is the defense’s response to the Cardinals gaining 16 on a punt return.
“I thought the defense kept us in the game, being able to handle the sudden change when we followed the punt return, being able to keep them to a minimum in the red area,” said McVay.
At halftime, the Cardinals led 9-6 after a half of strictly field goals. The Rams marched down the field on the opening drive of the second half to give Cooper Kupp his first touchdown of the season after returning from injury last week.
“It felt good to be in there again. It’s been a long time and I’m glad I was able to get back in the endzone,” said Kupp postgame.
The Rams scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to secure the victory. Brett Maher ended the day with four field goals, two in the first half and two in the second.
Stafford was 15 of 24 with no interceptions. Cooper Kupp recorded 7 receptions for 148 yards. For Arizona, Joshua Dobbs was 21 of 41 for 235 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
The Rams move to 3-3 with the victory, and host the Steelers on Sunday. The Cardinals, now 1-5, will play the Seahawks Sunday in Seattle.