The St. Louis Rams and Arizona Cardinals battled back and forth throughout the afternoon, but the Rams made a comeback and Greg Zuerlein nailed a 48-year field goal with under a minute to play to seal the 27-24 victory.
Cardinals vs. Rams 2013 final score: Jared Cook breaks out in 27-24 St. Louis win
Greg ‘The Leg’ Zuerlein came through with a game-winner for the Rams.
The Cardinals' offense looked much improved with Carson Palmer under center. Larry Fitzgerald was the main beneficiary of the improved quarterback play, catching eight passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Second-year wide receiver Michael Floyd flashed some promise as well, finishing with four catches for 82 yards. His best catch was a one-handed effort over Cortland Finnegan.
St. Louis was able to storm back into the game after falling behind 24-13 in the second half. Jared Cook, who fumbled away a touchdown early in the game, caught a pair of touchdowns from Sam Bradford, including a one-yard score that helped the Rams draw even with the Cardinals.
It was the Rams' defense that kept them in this contest throughout, though. Defensive end Robert Quinn sacked Palmer three times and forced a crucial fumble late in the game. After letting Palmer pile up points early, St. Louis forced key turnovers to make the comeback possible.
Fantasy studs and duds
Jared Cook scored two touchdowns for the Rams and racked up over 140 receiving yards. Larry Fitzgerald’s two touchdowns also earned him fantasy stud status.
Rams running backDaryl Richardson was a bit of a fantasy dud with 60 rushing yards and no touchdowns. Arizona’s running backs were predictably duds.
Did they cover?
The Rams were favored by 3.5 points, according to Odds Shark, so did not cover the spread.
What’s next?
Sept. 15, 1 p.m. ET: Rams at Falcons
Sept. 15, 4:05 p.m. ET: Detroit vs. Arizona
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
