Arizona Prevails 18-16 at SoFi Stadium After a Late Field Goal Seals a Hard-Fought Victory.
Game Overview
Arizona improved to 2-4 overall and 2-2 on the road, while Los Angeles fell to 2-4 overall and 1-3 at home. The Cardinals did not score a touchdown, but their ability to sustain offensive drives and convert scoring opportunities proved decisive in a closely contested matchup.
The game began with both teams relying on their kickers to establish the score. Los Angeles opened the scoring when Blake Grupe connected on a 44-yard field goal with 9:41 remaining in the first quarter. Arizona responded with an eight-play, 37-yard possession that ended with Ryland making a 34-yard field goal at the 5:37 mark, tying the game at 3-3.
Key Players Performance
Ryland continued his productive afternoon early in the second quarter. His 30-yard field goal with 14:51 remaining gave Arizona a 6-3 advantage. The Rams answered with a 12-play, 73-yard drive that concluded with quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing a 15-yard touchdown pass to Blake Corum. Los Angeles attempted a two-point conversion but failed, leaving the Rams ahead 9-6.
Arizona had another opportunity before halftime and took advantage. The Cardinals advanced 64 yards over 12 plays, using more than four minutes of game time before Ryland converted a 22-yard field goal with 46 seconds remaining. The kick leveled the score at 9-9 heading into the break.
Turning Points
The Cardinals continued to control possession after halftime. Their first drive of the second half covered 56 yards over 15 plays and consumed eight minutes and 35 seconds. Ryland finished the possession with a 38-yard field goal at the 6:25 mark of the third quarter, putting Arizona ahead 12-9.
Los Angeles struggled to match Arizona's sustained possessions during that period. The Cardinals limited the Rams' opportunities to build offensive momentum while continuing to move the ball methodically. Arizona's advantage in possession time became an important factor as the game progressed.
Final Moments
The visitors added to their lead early in the fourth quarter. Arizona put together another extended drive, traveling 64 yards in 14 plays over 8:11. Ryland converted a 27-yard field goal with 9:28 remaining, extending the Cardinals' advantage to 15-9.
Despite trailing by six points, the Rams remained within reach. Stafford and the Los Angeles offense continued searching for a scoring opportunity, while Arizona's defense worked to protect the lead. The Rams eventually produced the drive they needed late in the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles advanced 86 yards in eight plays, with Stafford completing a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson with 47 seconds remaining. Ethan Evans converted the extra point, giving the Rams a 16-15 lead. The late score appeared to put Los Angeles in position to escape with a home victory, but Arizona still had time for one final possession.
The Cardinals responded immediately. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed a 21-yard pass to move Arizona forward, and a 15-yard unnecessary-roughness penalty against Los Angeles provided additional yardage. The Cardinals advanced into field-goal range, setting up Ryland for a 43-yard attempt as the clock expired.
Ryland converted the kick, sealing the 18-16 victory and completing his perfect afternoon. His field goals came from 34, 30, 22, 38, 27 and 43 yards, accounting for all of Arizona's points.
Post-Game Analysis
Brissett completed 24 of 35 passes for 218 yards and one interception. Running back Bam Knight contributed 80 rushing yards on 15 carries, while tight end Trey McBride recorded seven receptions for 53 yards. Stafford finished with 222 passing yards, completing 25 of 33 attempts with two touchdowns. Corum and Parkinson caught the Rams' touchdowns, while wide receiver Puka Nacua led Los Angeles with six receptions for 80 yards. Kyren Williams added 50 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Arizona finished with 338 total yards, compared with 286 for Los Angeles. The Cardinals also recorded 22 first downs against the Rams' 19 and held the ball for 34:52, significantly longer than Los Angeles' 25:08. Both teams recorded one turnover. Arizona converted five of 15 third-down attempts, while Los Angeles went four-for-10. The Cardinals did not attempt a fourth-down conversion, whereas the Rams went zero-for-two.
The result reflected Arizona's ability to capitalize on its scoring opportunities and deliver under pressure. Although the Cardinals never reached the end zone, Ryland's accuracy ensured that their extended possessions consistently produced points. The defense also limited the Rams to 16 points, allowing Arizona to remain in contention until the final possession.
For Los Angeles, the late touchdown was not enough to secure the win. The Rams took the lead with less than a minute remaining but could not stop Arizona's final drive. Ryland's decisive kick ultimately settled a game in which every scoring opportunity carried significant weight.
The Cardinals left SoFi Stadium with an 18-16 victory after responding to a late deficit with a composed final possession. Ryland's six successful field goals and the team's advantage in total yards and possession time were central to the result, giving Arizona a memorable road win.
Final Score: Arizona Cardinals 18, Los Angeles Rams 16.
