The Arizona Cardinals stunned the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 thanks to a last-second field goal from Chad Ryland, according to Sky Sports reports. Ryland kicked his sixth field goal of the game, a 43-yarder as time expired, to seal a shocking upset for Arizona.
The finish was extraordinary. Rams punter Ethan Evans had kicked a go-ahead extra point with 47 seconds remaining after Colby Parkinson caught a touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford. Arizona, though, moved 36 yards into field-goal range on Jalen Brooks’ long reception and an unnecessary roughness penalty on Josh Wallace.
Three snaps later, Ryland buried his final kick. Arizona, who had been a double-digit underdog, celebrated a win that few outside their locker room had predicted. The Cardinals improved to 2-4, while the Rams fell to 2-4 after three losses in four games.
Cardinals Defence Stuns Rams Offence
Arizona’s defence was superb. The Cardinals held Sean McVay, Stafford and a talented Rams unit to only 286 yards, according to the report, despite Los Angeles coming into the contest leading the NFL in total offence. Jacoby Brissett passed for 218 yards to balance the defensive effort.
Stafford passed for 222 yards and two scores for the Rams, but Arizona’s defence made the key stops. The Rams also lost new kicker Blake Grupe to a knee injury when he made a tackle in the first quarter, a blow that would prove costly late.
Upset Shakes Up NFC West Picture
For Arizona, this was a second win this season at SoFi Stadium, where they also beat the Chargers in Week One. Road wins against Los Angeles teams are becoming a habit, and the Cardinals will take huge confidence from this one.
For the Rams, the loss is a warning. A team that leads the league in offence cannot afford to lose games it controls late. Los Angeles must regroup quickly, because the NFC West does not wait for anyone.
