Rams vs Cardinals

Rams vs Cardinals in Week 14 delivered one of the most explosive and historic offensive performances the NFL has seen in decades. The Los Angeles Rams posted 45 points, their highest total since 2022, and dismantled the Arizona Cardinals 45-17 in a game that showcased elite preparation, resilience, and dominance despite unusual circumstances. With head coach Sean McVay battling an illness, the Rams found motivation, stability, and leadership from within — and the result was a masterclass in offensive football.

Rams Shine Despite Sean McVay’s Absence Before Game Day

One of the biggest storylines surrounding this Rams vs Cardinals matchup wasn’t just the blowout — it was how the Rams arrived at the game in the first place. Sean McVay missed the team’s Saturday walk-through and their usual Saturday night meeting because he was too ill to travel with the team. Concerned about spreading the illness, he joined them only on Sunday morning.

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McVay admitted after the game that he was “feeling better,” but avoided hugging players and kept contact minimal — something he said felt completely unnatural for him. Yet his brief absence didn’t hinder the Rams’ preparation or performance. In fact, it showcased astonishing maturity within the organization.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford praised offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, calling his preparation and leadership “a hell of a job.” McVay awarded LaFleur a game ball after the win, crediting him and the entire offensive staff for stepping up at the perfect time.

Running back Blake Corum echoed this, saying the Rams’ culture is built for moments like this: “When Coach McVay wasn’t able to be there, the culture remains the same. We don’t budge.”

Historic Offensive Performance Not Seen Since the 1950s

This Rams vs Cardinals matchup was historic on multiple levels. The team became the first since 1954 — nearly 75 years ago — to record all the following in a non-overtime game:

• 530+ total yards of offense

• 30 first downs

• 0 turnovers

According to data from Pro Football Reference, the last time this happened was with Norm Van Brocklin’s 1954 Rams team.

This Week 14 explosion also included:

• 3 passing touchdowns

• 3 rushing touchdowns

• No turnovers for the entire game

That combination had never happened in franchise history before this game.

Matthew Stafford delivered a clean, smooth performance with 281 passing yards and three touchdowns, continuing his Pro Bowl-level season. The ground attack was equally unstoppable, racking up 249 rushing yards, highlighted by:

• Blake Corum — 128 yards

• Kyren Williams — 84 yards

This was the highest offensive output of the Rams’ season and a loud reminder that Los Angeles possesses one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses.

Rams Return to the Top of the NFC

Thanks to this impressive win and a loss by the Chicago Bears, the Rams climbed back to the No. 1 NFC seed with a 10-3 record.

Their next two games could define the conference playoff landscape:

• Week 15: Rams vs Lions (8-5)

• Four days later: Rams vs Seahawks (10-3)

The Rams are not only winning — they are peaking at the right time. The team that many believed was still rebuilding now looks like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Cardinals Enter a New Era: Life Without Kyler Murray Begins Poorly

While this Rams vs Cardinals matchup was a celebration for Los Angeles, it represented something very different for Arizona — the official start of a new era without former franchise quarterback Kyler Murray.

The atmosphere inside State Farm Stadium reflected it. Empty seats filled the arena, and the energy levels felt low for a fan base that has endured years of disappointment.

The Cardinals suffered their 10th loss in 13 games and their third straight divisional blowout, allowing:

• 44 points to San Francisco

• 41 points to Seattle

• 45 points to the Rams

For a defensive-minded head coach like Jonathan Gannon, these numbers raise serious questions about his long-term future.

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Cardinals Show Bright Spots but Continue Major Struggles

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett did provide some hope. Under his leadership, the passing game looked more fluid, and wide receiver Michael Wilson continued proving he can be a WR1 when given the right quarterback.

However, the positives ended there.

Arizona’s running game was nonexistent. Their defense — the core identity of their coaching staff — crumbled once again. The Cardinals gave up:

• 212 rushing yards (before the fourth quarter even ended)

• Multiple explosive plays

• 35 unanswered points

Puka Nacua repeatedly torched the secondary, looking like a young Larry Fitzgerald with his strong hands and physical route running.

These failures pushed Gannon’s record to 3-14 against NFC West rivals, strengthening the argument that the franchise may need a new direction.

Kyler Murray’s Legacy and Arizona’s Uncertain Future

With Murray officially shut down for the season, the breakup between player and franchise feels inevitable. Murray’s tenure is a mixed legacy: spectacular plays but limited success. No deep playoff runs. No consistency. No real championship push.

Now the Cardinals must:

• Rebuild their offensive line

• Draft a new franchise quarterback

• Repair their fan base’s trust

• Reshape their entire identity

Arizona has now lost 10+ games in 20 of the last 38 seasons — a statistic that speaks volumes about the uphill battle ahead.

Conclusion

The Rams vs Cardinals Week 14 game illustrated two franchises moving in completely opposite directions:

• The Rams: Surging, historic, disciplined, and eyeing the NFC’s top seed.

• The Cardinals: Rebuilding, uncertain, and bracing for a major overhaul.

As Los Angeles continues rising at the perfect moment, Arizona faces a long offseason with more questions than answers.