L.A. Defense Stops Arizona on Final Drive
The 2016 Los Angeles Rams are developing a taste for winning the close ones. For the third consecutive game their pressure defense denied the opposition the go-ahead score on the last drive of the game to run their season record to 3-1 and remain tied for first place in the NFC West Division.
On Sunday, October 2, the L.A. Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals, 17-13, as they rallied from behind for the second consecutive game on the road, this time at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona. Ram wide receiver Brian Quick caught a pass from quarterback Case Keenum with 2:36 left in the 4th quarter for the clincher.
Strong safety T.J. McDonald intercepted a 'Hail Mary' pass in the back of the end zone thrown by Cardinal backup quarterback Drew Stanton from the L.A. 37-yard line on the last play of the game. The Rams also stopped a drive near midfield on Arizona's previous drive with an interception by Mark Barron, his second in two games.
Los Angeles took a 7-0 lead on their second possession with the same combination that won the game but this time it was a short pass from Keenum to Quick who split two defenders and raced down the right side and into the end zone for a 65-yard strike.
Arizona made the score 7-3 on a 25-yard field goal by Chandler Catanzaro beginning the 2nd quarter. Ram kicker Greg Zuerlein responded with a 29-yard field goal on the next drive.
Arizona tied the score, 10-10, with a five-yard pass from starting quarterback Carson Palmer to Michael Floyd 29 seconds before half. Palmer was pulled late in the game after taking a hit due to the NFL's concussion protocol.
Statistically, Case Keenum was 18/30 for 266 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Todd Gurley lead L.A. rushers with 33 yards on 19 carries. Kenny Britt caught four passes for 82 yards.
Quick had two catches for 69 yards. Both catches went for touchdowns. Tight end Lance Kendricks had five catches for 52 yards. Gurley had five catches for 42 yards. Tavon Austin had two catches for 14 yards.
Read the full story in the coming edition of the Culver City Observer.
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