The Rams defense imploded against the 49ers in Week 18, blowing a 17-0 first-half lead in the season finale. The defense that was on the field Monday night against the Cardinals looked vastly different, however.
The Cardinals were completely shut down in the first half, gaining just 40 yards on the Rams through their first eight possessions. Three of their first eight drives lost yardage and only four of their first 12 plays gained yards.
Here’s a recap of how their first eight drives went:
- 4 yards: punt
- Minus-1 yard: punt
- Minus-11 yards: punt
- Minus-1 yard: punt
- 3 yards: interception
- 35 yards: interception
- 1 yard: punt
- 0 yards: end of half
The Rams scored as many touchdowns (3) as the Cardinals had first downs (3) in the first 30 minutes of the game. Arizona went 0-for-6 on third down and averaged a paltry 1.5 yards per play.
Kyler Murray’s passer rating was just 9.3, completing 7 of 17 passes for 28 yards with two interceptions, including a pick-six.
For a playoff game, a defensive performance doesn’t get much more impressive than this one by the Rams. Yes, the Cardinals look atrocious, but the Rams deserve some credit for stonewalling what was once the best team in the NFL.