2024-09-16 15:15:03
Arizona capitalized on the change of possession, leaning on running back James Conner and the scrambling ability of quarterback Kyler Murray to set up a 23-yard touchdown pass from Murray to wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for an early 7-0 lead.
After Los Angeles was forced to punt on the ensuing series, Arizona extended its lead to 14-0 with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Murray to Harrison Jr. on the first play of that drive.
The Rams were again forced to punt after their third offensive series, though punter Ethan Evans‘ 67-yard punt was downed at the 1-yard line by cornerback Charles Woods. The shallow starting field position didn’t deter the Cardinals, who reached the endzone 13 plays later on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Murray to tight end Elijah Higgins to up 21-0 early in the second quarter.
A 42-yard, out-of-structure completion from quarterback Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, plus an unnecessary roughness penalty, helped the Rams finally get on the board with a 29-yard field goal by kicker Joshua Karty to cut their deficit to 18.
By halftime, the Rams were 1 for 6 on third down and trailed 24-3.
Conner’s 5-yard touchdown run made it 31-3 Cardinals with 10:33 left in the third quarter.
After Arizona added a 56-yard field goal by kicker Matt Prater, Los Angeles answered with a 4-yard touchdown run by running back Kyren Williams, but it still trailed 34-10 with 41 seconds left in the third quarter.
