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Meltdown in LA: What went wrong for Rams as Cardinals earn largest upset of the season
CBS Sports • • general
Key Points:
- The Arizona Cardinals upset the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 with a game-winning 43-yard field goal by Chad Ryland as time expired, marking the largest upset of the NFL season and tying for the biggest upset in five years.
- The Cardinals, who scored only field goals and no touchdowns, controlled possession for nearly 10 minutes more than the Rams and relied on efficient quarterback play from Jacoby Brissett, who avoided sacks and turnovers after the first possession.
- The Rams struggled offensively, with Matthew Stafford posting a low 4.2 yards per attempt and failing to generate explosive plays, completing only two passes over 20 yards, both on the final drive.
- Los Angeles was plagued by costly mistakes including turnovers by Stafford and Tyler Higbee, multiple penalties, and a failed fourth-and-1 conversion, contributing to their 2-4 record despite entering the season as Super Bowl favorites.
- Defensively, the Rams failed to pressure the quarterback or force turnovers, recording zero sacks and no takeaways, while special teams issues persisted, including a key injury to kicker Blake Grupe and allowing significant kickoff returns.
