Matthew Stafford threw for 249 yards, Cam Akers and Cooper Kupp scored touchdowns and the Los Angeles Rams used a stellar defensive effort to beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-12 on Sunday.
The Rams (2-1) continued their dominance in the NFC West series of rivals, winning 11 of the last 12 meetings since 2017, including last year’s 34-11 playoff victory.
Los Angeles’ offense had some good moments, but the win was due in large part to its defense. Aaron Donald had a sack and two tackles for loss, while Jalen Ramsey added two passes defensed and a tackle for loss. The Rams allowed 365 total yards but limited the Cardinals to zero touchdowns and four field goals.
Arizona’s Kyler Murray completed 37 of 58 passes for 314 yards. Marquise Brown caught 14 passes for 140 yards. The Cardinals have lost seven of nine games since last season.
The Cardinals (1-2) cut the deficit to 13-9 in the third quarter on Matt Prater’s third field goal of the followingnoon, this one from 49 yards.