Yes, the Cardinals would end up losing starting quarterback and the now retired Carson Palmer in that game. But what was impressive and most telling was that the Rams had an opportunity to deliver a “kill shot” and did.
A young up and coming LA team didn’t just deliver a message, but a definitive one, meant not just for the league, but also for the NFC West.
Ultimately, as the Rams marched towards a division title, they’d sweep Arizona, and split with Seattle and San Francisco. But in delivering a defining shutout against the Cardinals, the Rams showed the ability to finish off a team not just for one game, but for the season.
It also showed that through seven games, LA was developing a team image unlike what fans had seen in previous seasons; a team who can win by overpowering an opponent with their offense, and deliver a smothering performance with their defense.
It wasn’t a “statement” game like some others the Rams would play in 2017, but it said a lot nonetheless.