LA Rams game update: Rookies keeping team in this one

LA Rams game update: Rookies Cam Akers and Van Jefferson keeping the team in this one

The LA Rams arrived at Glendale, Arizona hoping to remain within reach of the NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks by defeating the rival Arizona Cardinals. It didn’t start out pretty, as the LA Rams blew coverage with the Cardinals’ first possession to allow a touchdown to seldom-used tight end Dan Arnold. That placed the Rams down by a score of 7-0 and the concerns of another hangover following a loss.

But the Rams defense was up to the task. With an exception of a late two-minute drive where the Cardinals’ offense went with no-huddle, the Rams defense was stymying.  And it was that defense that allowed the Rams to roll the dice on the offense.

Rams rookies

The Rams went for it on fourth down twice, and both times the Cardinals’ defense was able to get the ball back to the offense on downs. But the Cards were not able to stop the Rams rookies: running back Cam Akers and wide receiver Van Jefferson.  Jefferson caught three of four passes thrown his way for 18 yards. But his receptions were critical in getting Goff back on track.

And then, Cam Akers started to take over. The Rams ran Akers 14 times for 41 yards and a touchdown. His score allowed the Rams to tie the game up early in the second quarter.  He was not the only Rams to get into the end zone. The Rams finally rediscovered tight end, Tyler Higbee, in the endzone, putting the Rams ahead by a score of 14-7.

Defense stars are shining

The Rams are getting plenty of mileage out of their defensive stars. All-Pro defensive lineman Aaron Donald has two tackles, both sacks against Cardinals’ quarterback Kyler Murray. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey has shut down Cardinals star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, denying him in just two passes thrown his way.

Ramsey was called for controversial defensive pass interference, setting up the Cards for a last-second field goal attempt before the end of the first half. Fortunately, kicker Zane Gonzales missed the attempt, and the Rams take the field in the second half with the lead and the momentum.