Rams vs Cardinals: Key Player Stats and Highlights from the Big Game

The matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals on December 28, 2024, was a gritty, low scoring affair that came down to a final interception to seal the win. The Rams pulled out a 13-9 victory in front of their home crowd at SoFi Stadium.

Game Summary & Context

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s set the stage.

The Rams entered the game at 10-6, playing at home.
The Cardinals were 7-9 on the year and 2-6 on the road.
Final score: Rams 13, Cardinals 9.
The Cardinals actually had more of the ball and more yards: 396 total yards for Arizona vs. 257 for Los Angeles.
Time of possession also favored Arizona (36:55 to 23:05).
However, the Rams’ defense and special teams made key plays to hold on.

So: even though the Cardinals moved the ball well, the Rams did enough when it mattered to win.

Arizona Cardinals: Key Players & Stats

Let’s look at some of the standout performances from Arizona.

Quarterback: Kyler Murray

Completed 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.
His passer rating for the game was around 76.8.
Even with those numbers, two picks and the inability to convert more in the red zone hurt the Cardinals.

Receiving: Trey McBride

McBride had 12 receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdown.
He managed to reach his first touchdown of the season and broke the 1,000 yard mark for the year.

Rushing & Other Receivers

On the ground: Michael Carter carried 13 times for 70 yards (5.4 yard average).
Another receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr. caught 6 passes for 96 yards.
The Cardinals had more total yards and more possession, but could not turn this into points enough to win.

What Went Wrong

The two interceptions by Murray changed momentum.
The Cardinals were in position late, but couldn’t convert in the red zone. For instance: McBride had a chance, but the pass was tipped and intercepted.
Having more possession and yards does not always guarantee a win. Turnovers and situational mistakes matter.

Los Angeles Rams: Key Players & Stats

Now let’s switch to the Rams and their key contributors.

Quarterback: Matthew Stafford

Completed 17 of 32 passes for 189 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.
Though his numbers were modest, avoiding turnovers proved critical.

Receiving: Puka Nacua

Nacua had 10 catches for 129 yards (average of 12.9 yards per catch).
His consistent receiving helped provide the Rams with a passing threat, even though they did not score a passing touchdown.

Rushing: Kyren Williams

Williams ran 13 times for 56 yards and 1 rushing touchdown.
His touchdown was the only one scored by the Rams in this game.

Defense & Special Teams: Game Changers

The Rams’ defense made a key interception with under a minute remaining: Ahkello Witherspoon intercepted the ball in the end zone with 37 seconds left to stop the Cardinals from scoring.
The Rams’ kicker, Joshua Karty, made two field goals (including a 53 yarder) to secure the points.

Why the Rams Won

They avoided turnovers, a big plus.
They scored when required (touchdown + field goals) even though they had fewer yards.
They made a high impact defensive play in the closing minute.
They turned the Cardinals’ yardage advantage into a narrow victory by being more efficient when it counted.

Key Stat Comparisons

Here are some side by side comparisons that help tell the story of the game.

Statistic	Cardinals	Rams
Total Yards	396 yards	257 yards
Time of Possession	36:55	23:05
Passing Yards	321 (Murray)	189 (Stafford)
Rushing Yards	113 yards	68 yards
Turnovers	2 interceptions	0 turnovers
Outcome	Loss 9	Win 13

Despite the clear advantage in yards and possession for the Cardinals, the Rams’ ability to protect the ball and make the decisive play late proved pivotal.

What This Game Means

The Rams’ win strengthens their position in the NFC West and puts them closer to locking up the division.
For the Cardinals, the game is a reminder that even when you move the ball well, you need to score and avoid critical mistakes.
This game reinforces football’s adage: “Yards don’t always win games, points do.”
It also shows the importance of clutch defensive plays, especially in tight matchups.

Final Thoughts

This game between the Rams and Cardinals might not have been high scoring, but it was rich in strategic lessons. The Rams showed how to win a tight game: protect the ball, make plays when necessary, and rely on defense and special teams when the offense struggles. The Cardinals offered promising moments with strong yardage and good individual performances but came up short in the key moments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Rams 13, Cardinals 9.
Who was the Rams’ top receiver?
Puka Nacua, with 10 receptions for 129 yards.
Who scored the Rams’ only touchdown?
Kyren Williams, a rushing touchdown.
How many passing yards did Kyler Murray have?
He threw for 321 yards, with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions.
Which Cardinals player had the most receiving yards?
Trey McBride, with 123 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.
Did either team commit any turnovers?
The Cardinals had 2 interceptions. The Rams had none.
What was the time of possession?
Cardinals held the ball for about 36:55. Rams had about 23:05.
How many total yards did each team have?
The Cardinals had about 396 total yards; the Rams had about 257.
What key defensive play decided the game?
Ahkello Witherspoon intercepted a pass in the end zone with under a minute remaining to stop the Cardinals from scoring.
What is the significance of this win for the Rams?
It put them in an even stronger position to win the NFC West and shows they can win close, hard fought games even when out gained.

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