THE STORY: The game started just the way the Cardinals had hoped, with Trey McBride angry running after a catch and Michael Wilson snaring a touchdown catch.
After that, however, the result was what the Rams needed.
Battling for an NFC West crown and coming off a loss, the Rams (10-3) controlled most of Sunday at State Farm Stadium, a day that was difficult for the injury-ravaged Cardinals (3-10). Difficult enough that details weren’t needed.
“They just beat us,” quarterback Jacoby Brissett said. “No making excuses.”
“They were better than us in every facet,” coach Jonathan Gannon said. “It’s very humbling. It’s not OK. It’s not acceptable.”
That initial touchdown drive to open the game was impressive but “we’ve got to find ways to sustain it,” Brissett acknowledged. Wilson was excellent – 11 more receptions – but the game got sideways after 10-10.
The Rams totaled 530 yards, with Matthew Stafford throwing for three touchdowns and the running game gaining 249. Wide receiver Puka Nacua was unstoppable, with two touchdowns and 167 yards on his seven catches, many of them in tight coverage.
“You take it personal,” defensive lineman Dante Stills said.
Gannon said the explosives and the lack of forcing the Rams into third downs – the Rams rarely were forced into third downs in the first half – were the problem. He said he needed to watch the video, but didn’t doubt that it would come down to fundamental play.
“I think everybody’s head is in the right place, but I mean, it’s over and over and over, so it’s only so much we can do,” outside linebacker Josh Sweat said. “I guess we’re still just trying to get better. That’s all we ever say. No one’s pointing fingers. It’s just let’s go back to work.”
For the first time this season, the Cardinals’ entire inactives list was filled with injured players, and then left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. left the game in the second half with a knee injury. Starting left guard Evan Brown was out for personal reasons, so Jon Gaines II filled in.
Injuries are part of it, however.
“They call that the NFL,” Brissett said.
The Cardinals, down to four games left, go to Houston next week. Gannon again said the Cardinals will “come out the other side” of their current struggles. But he emphasized they needed to get right the most basic of work.
“Technique and fundamentals,” Gannon said. “Which leads to execution. Which leads to complementary football. Which leads to not getting the brakes beat off you at home.”