GLENDALE AZ—The Los Angeles Rams were ‘QUICK’ on the draw in the duel out west, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 17-13. Case Keenum’s late TD pass to Brian Quick with 2:36 remaining in the contest proved to be the difference on Sunday, October 2 at the University of Phoenix stadium. Late game heroics have been necessary in every victory this season, as the Rams improve to 3-1, and stand alone atop the NFC West.
The game winning drive was set up by a Tavon Austin punt return. Austin returned the punt 47 yards, plus a Cardinals face mask moved the ball to the Arizona 19, giving the Rams excellent field possession.
The four-yard go ahead score late in the fourth quarter was Brian Quick’s second touchdown of the afternoon, he snagged a 65-yard pass in the first quarter as well. Rams Quarterback Case Keenum gets better with every start, he threw for 266 yards to go along with two TD’s.
Running Back Todd Gurley struggled with only 39 yards, fans were expecting him to torch the Cardinals in the same manner he did last year. When Gurley rushed for 146 yards at Arizona in 2015, he is still looking to break the “Big One.” The run where he bursts through a gaping hole, turns on the afterburner’s, and darts down the sideline for a touchdown, thus getting his season back on track.
The Rams’ defense continues to horn the opposition in 2016. Cardinals QB Carson Palmer looked confused and frustrated, Defensive Tackle Aaron Donald had 1.5 Sacks. Palmer was knocked out of the game with a concussion in the fourth.
Backup Drew Stanton drove the Cardinals down to the Rams 40, before heaving a last second hail Mary which was intercepted by T.J McDonald in the back of the end zone.
The Rams return home from their successful road trip on Sunday, October 8 to face Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
