The Key Defensive Takeaways and Matthew Stafford’s Stellar Performance in the Rams vs Cardinals Rivalry Game
The Los Angeles Rams delivered a comprehensive and dominant performance against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, blowing out their NFC West rivals 45-17 on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The result emphatically confirmed the pregame sentiment: the Cardinals were simply no match for a Rams team operating at peak efficiency. Quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered another stellar performance, but the key to the victory was the dual threat of the running game and the explosive connection with wide receiver Puka Nacua, quickly turning what was a competitive start into a lopsided affair and giving the Rams their seventh season with at least ten wins under Head Coach Sean McVay.
The immediate impact of the game was the sheer statistical onslaught engineered by the Rams’ offense. Los Angeles piled up 530 total yards and scored 35 unanswered points after the game was tied 10-10 midway through the second quarter. The ground game was particularly devastating, as the duo of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum combined for a staggering 212 rushing yards and three touchdowns, averaging 8.5 yards per carry. Corum, in particular, had a career high 128 yards and two touchdowns on just 12 carries, showcasing the depth and efficiency of the Rams’ running attack, which quickly broke the Cardinals' defensive will.
The strategic significance of the Rams vs Cardinals matchup was the complete dominance of the Rams’ star power and health against a severely injury depleted Arizona squad. Stafford finished the game with 281 yards and three touchdowns, largely thanks to Puka Nacua, who had a career day with seven catches for 167 yards and his first multi-receiving touchdown game. The turning point occurred late in the third quarter: after an interception by linebacker Nate Landman, Stafford immediately capitalized, tossing a 31 yard touchdown pass to Nacua on the very next play, extending the lead to an insurmountable 38-10. This aggressive, instant strike capability following a turnover defined the Rams' strategic superiority.
Looking ahead, the future outlook for the Rams (10-3) is extremely positive, as the victory keeps them tied atop the NFC West and bolsters their standing in the NFC playoff picture. The team's balanced attack marrying the veteran accuracy of Stafford with the fresh explosiveness of Nacua and the run game makes them a genuine championship contender. For the Arizona Cardinals (3-10), the loss was another humbling defeat against a division rival, confirming Head Coach Jonathan Gannon’s assessment that the Rams were superior "in every facet of the game." With a long list of key players out injured, the Cardinals’ focus must now pivot toward player development and stability heading into the 2026 season.