Cardinal Rule
- Updated: October 20, 2026
The Arizona Cardinals pulled off a dramatic 18–16 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at SoFi Stadium, snapping a four-game losing streak and earning their second win of the season. The game was a defensive battle, with Arizona struggling to find the end zone but keeping pace through the kicking of Chad Ryland. After the Rams opened the scoring with a field goal, Ryland answered with six successful kicks throughout the afternoon. Los Angeles briefly took the lead in the second quarter on a 15-yard touchdown reception by running back Blake Corum from quarterback Matthew Stafford, but Arizona’s steady scoring kept the contest tied at 9–9 at halftime.
The Cardinals took control after the break by putting together long, clock-consuming drives that repeatedly ended in Ryland field goals. His 38-yard kick in the third quarter and 27-yard attempt in the fourth extended Arizona’s lead to 15–9. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw for 218 yards, while the Cardinals’ defense delivered crucial stops when the Rams threatened to take over. One of the biggest plays came when linebacker Cody Simon forced a fumble by tight end Tyler Higbee in the fourth quarter, allowing Arizona to recover and prevent a potential scoring opportunity. The Cardinals also stopped Los Angeles on fourth down, keeping the Rams from capitalizing on their chances.
The finish was unforgettable. With just 47 seconds remaining, Stafford connected with tight end Colby Parkinson for a touchdown, and a successful extra point gave the Rams a 16–15 lead. Arizona responded immediately: Brissett completed a 21-yard pass to Ja’Corey Brooks, and a personal-foul penalty against Los Angeles moved the Cardinals closer to field-goal range. After a short run helped set up the attempt, Ryland drilled a 43-yard field goal as time expired, sealing the 18–16 upset. The victory provided a much-needed boost for Arizona, while the Rams were left to regret missed opportunities and costly mistakes in a game they appeared to have rescued in the final minute.
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