Go beyond the scoreboard
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GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 37-14, on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
What we learned from a victory that improved the Rams’ record to 5-6 and kept them in the playoff hunt:
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Kyren Williams must remain physically sound
(Matt York / Associated Press)
Williams returned from injured reserve and picked up where he left off: With a career-best performance against the Cardinals, 204 yards from scrimmage.
Williams rushed for 143 yards in 16 carries, including a 56-yard run. He also caught six passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns.
It was his first game since Oct. 15, when he rushed for a career-best 158 yards in a victory over the Cardinals.
In between, the Rams went 1-3.
The Rams won their second game in a row, 37-14 over the Cardinals, to improve to 5-6 and stay in contention for a playoff spot in the NFC.
So Williams’ ability to run effectively and catch the ball in the flat and on screen passes makes a huge difference for coach/play-caller Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense.
So does tough running by Royce Freeman, who rushed for 77 yards in 13 carries.
Consider: The Rams won easily on a day that Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua combined for seven catches for 45 yards.
Kupp, attempting to play through a right ankle sprain, hobbled after aggravating the injury in the first quarter.
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Tyler Higbee is still a threat inside the 20-yard line
(Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)
Higbee, a mainstay of the offense for seven-plus seasons, caught his first two touchdown passes of the season.
Higbee’s seven-yard touchdown in the first quarter gave the Rams a 7-0 lead. His five-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter put the Rams ahead, 14-8.
He finished with five catches for 29 yards.
Rookie Davis Allen had only one catch, but his six-yard reception on third-and-five set up Higbee’s second touchdown.
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McVay must go deep with Tutu Atwell
(Matt York / Associated Press)
On the third play of the game, the speedy Atwell got behind the defense and caught a 42-yard pass from Stafford. The play set up the Rams’ first touchdown.
It was the second time in two weeks that Atwell stretched the defense. In a 17-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Atwell drew a pass-interference penalty that resulted in a 45-yard gain.
On Sunday, Atwell made other key receptions. He finished with three catches for 76 yards.
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Safety Jordan Fuller makes plays on the ball
(Matt York / Associated Press)
Fuller, a fourth-year pro, is most often praised for his leadership. Early in the season, he forced several fumbles and intercepted a pass.
On Sunday, he thwarted several threats by breaking up four passes by Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
Kobie Turner, a third-round draft pick from Wake Forest, also was a big contributor on defense. He recorded two sacks to increase his season total to four.
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Rams still kicking this around
Placekicker Lucas Havrisik is still striving for consistency. Last week, he kicked what proved to be the game-winning field goal against the Seahawks.
On Sunday, he missed a 50-yard attempt, made a 24-yard attempt and made four of five extra-point attempts.
The Rams won in a rout, so the miscues did not prove costly.
Breaking down the notable numbers behind the Rams’ 37-14 road the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday — scoring and statistics.
