In this in-depth article, we’ll explore “Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats” comprehensively—covering standout performances, team dynamics, statistical breakdowns, and key takeaways. Whether you’re an NFL fan, fantasy football enthusiast, or data-driven analyst, this deep dive reveals how both teams’ stars performed and what the numbers truly mean
When fans search for “Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats,” they want to know who excelled, who struggled, and how those numbers shaped the final result. This breakdown focuses on the most recent key matchup between the two NFC West rivals and analyzes the player stats in depth—offense, defense, and special teams.
Let’s begin with a brief look at their rivalry before diving into the latest performance data.
2. Historical Context & Rivalry
The rivalry between the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams has spanned decades, evolving through team relocations and changing divisions. Both franchises share a competitive NFC West rivalry, known for hard-fought games, unpredictable outcomes, and strong defensive battles.
Analyzing Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats over the years reveals trends: the Rams often rely on disciplined defense and efficient passing, while the Cardinals typically lean on mobility and explosive offensive plays led by Kyler Murray.
3. Recent Head-to-Head Matchups Overview
In recent seasons, the Cardinals and Rams have split their matchups, highlighting how closely matched these teams are:
- In September 2024, Arizona dominated with a 41–10 victory, powered by an offensive explosion.
- In December 2024, Los Angeles edged out a gritty 13–9 win, driven by strong defense and timely turnovers.
This article focuses primarily on the December 2024 matchup to provide the most accurate and up-to-date Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats.
4. Deep Dive: Player Stats for Key Match
4.1 Arizona Cardinals — Offensive Leaders
Quarterback: Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray had a strong outing despite the loss. He completed 33 of 48 passes for 321 yards and 1 touchdown. Murray’s dual-threat ability kept the Rams’ defense on their heels throughout the game. His accuracy on short to mid-range throws and pocket awareness were impressive, but turnovers and stalled red-zone drives limited Arizona’s scoring.
Tight End: Trey McBride
Trey McBride emerged as the offensive focal point, posting 12 receptions for 123 yards and 1 touchdown. His chemistry with Murray and dominance in the middle of the field made him nearly unstoppable. McBride’s route running, catch radius, and yards-after-catch ability continue to solidify him as one of the NFL’s top young tight ends.
Wide Receiver: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. made a major impact with 6 receptions for 96 yards. His ability to find separation and stretch the defense vertically was a key highlight. Harrison’s consistency and poise under pressure are already reminiscent of an elite WR1 in the making.
Running Back: James Conner
James Conner powered the ground game with 113 rushing yards on efficient carries. His physical running style and ability to gain yards after contact helped sustain long drives and control possession.
Overall, Arizona’s offense tallied 396 total yards and 74 offensive plays, averaging 5.4 yards per play. Despite controlling the clock and yardage, failure to finish drives cost them the game.
4.2 Los Angeles Rams — Offensive Leaders
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford delivered a careful, controlled performance—17 completions on 32 attempts for 189 yards. While he didn’t throw a touchdown, he managed the game efficiently, avoiding turnovers and focusing on clock management.
Running Back: Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams led the Rams’ rushing attack with 13 carries for 56 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to punch through short-yardage situations and stay effective in goal-line sets gave Los Angeles a balanced offense.
Wide Receiver: Puka Nacua
Rookie sensation Puka Nacua was the standout receiver, recording 10 receptions for 129 yards. His precision in route running and reliable hands made him Stafford’s primary target. Nacua consistently found soft zones in Arizona’s coverage, moving the chains at crucial moments.
Other Offensive Contributors
With Cooper Kupp sidelined due to injury, the Rams’ passing game leaned heavily on Nacua. Tight ends contributed modestly in short-yardage plays, focusing on blocking and maintaining offensive balance.
4.3 Defensive Standouts & Turnovers
The defensive battle defined the game’s outcome more than any offensive fireworks.
Rams Defense
The Rams’ defense stepped up with two forced turnovers, including a game-clinching interception by Ahkello Witherspoon late in the fourth quarter. Their disciplined coverage and containment of Kyler Murray’s rushing lanes limited Arizona’s scoring chances despite the yardage differential.
Cardinals Defense
Arizona’s defense performed admirably, holding Los Angeles to just 13 points and 257 total yards. Linebackers maintained strong pressure, and safeties like Budda Baker were instrumental in tackling and disrupting passes. However, the absence of takeaways proved costly compared to the Rams’ timely interception.
4.4 Special Teams & Miscellaneous Metrics
- Time of Possession: Arizona dominated possession with 36:55 compared to Los Angeles’s 23:05.
- Total Plays: Cardinals ran 74 plays, while the Rams ran 54.
- Yards per Play: Arizona averaged 5.4, and Los Angeles averaged 4.8.
- Penalties: Arizona committed 5 penalties for 52 yards, while Los Angeles was flagged 2 times for 10 yards.
Although the Cardinals held statistical advantages in most categories, the Rams’ discipline and timely plays proved decisive.
5. Statistical Comparisons & Insights
Comparing Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats paints a clear picture of two teams with contrasting identities:
- Arizona focused on volume and possession — more plays, more yards, but struggled in the red zone.
- Los Angeles emphasized efficiency and ball control — fewer plays but no turnovers and a defensive edge.
- Murray vs Stafford: Murray had more yardage and production; Stafford avoided mistakes and relied on Nacua’s consistency.
- McBride vs Nacua: Both emerged as game-changing offensive focal points for their teams, each exceeding 120 yards receiving.
- Turnover Battle: The Rams won 2–0 in turnovers, proving once again that ball security often outweighs total yardage.
These patterns are common in divisional rivalries, where execution often trumps yardage in determining outcomes.
6. Why These Player Stats Matter
Understanding Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats offers more than just box score trivia.
- For Fans: It provides deeper insight into why games are won or lost beyond the scoreboard.
- For Fantasy Managers: Knowing target shares and production trends helps optimize lineups.
- For Analysts: It highlights patterns in play-calling, quarterback tendencies, and defensive schemes.
- For Teams: Stats inform adjustments in preparation for rematches or playoff strategies.
Ultimately, statistics serve as both a mirror and a map—reflecting what happened and guiding what could happen next.
7. Limitations & Things to Watch
Even with detailed data, some factors can skew interpretations of Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats:
- Injuries: The absence of key players like Cooper Kupp significantly alters offensive dynamics.
- Game Flow: Teams leading often play conservatively, affecting stats such as passing yard totals.
- Hidden Metrics: Pressures, coverage success rates, and missed tackles aren’t always visible in standard box scores.
- Weather & Conditions: Field and temperature can influence offensive tempo and play-calling.
When comparing future games, always consider these contextual factors beyond the stat sheet.
8. Conclusion
In the most recent showdown, the Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams match player stats tell the story of a closely contested game where Arizona’s offensive firepower met Los Angeles’s defensive resilience.
- Kyler Murray and Trey McBride shined statistically.
- Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams delivered clutch moments for the Rams.
- The Rams’ defense, led by Witherspoon’s interception, ultimately swung the outcome.
Despite outgaining Los Angeles in yardage and time of possession, Arizona couldn’t translate dominance into points—proving once again that efficiency and turnovers decide tight NFL games.
Future matchups between these two will continue to hinge on similar themes: can Arizona convert their drives, and can Los Angeles maintain its defensive discipline?
FAQ
1. Who had the best individual performance in the game?
Trey McBride led the way for Arizona with 12 receptions, 123 yards, and a touchdown, making him the top performer overall.
2. Which Rams player made the biggest impact?
Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon sealed the Rams’ victory with a crucial interception late in the fourth quarter.
3. Did Arizona outgain Los Angeles in total yards?
Yes, Arizona recorded 396 total yards, compared to 257 yards by Los Angeles.
4. How did time of possession differ?
Arizona dominated possession with over 36 minutes, controlling much of the clock but failing to score enough points.
5. What was the biggest deciding factor in the game?
Turnovers—Arizona’s two giveaways and Los Angeles’s defensive discipline proved decisive in the Rams’ 13–9 win.
