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Rams, Kyren Williams rediscover rushing attack in win over Cardinals

October 15, 2023

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jonah Williams #92 sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs #9 in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller #4 breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown #2 in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Bobby Price #26 celebrates his fumble recovery of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Austin Trammell #81 on a punt return in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 stops Arizona Cardinals running back Damien Williams #29 in the backfield for a loss in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White #7 scacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht #97 stops Arizona Cardinals running back Keaontay Ingram #30 in the back field in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Bobby Price #26 hits and forces the fumble by Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Austin Trammell #81 on a punt return in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Arizona Cardinals place kicker Matt Prater #5 kicks his third field goal of the first half as Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner #91 and Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jonah Williams #92 try to block it in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp #10 makes the firs down catch as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei’Trel Clark #13 defends in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs #9 breaks free from Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner #91 for a first down in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Arizona Cardinals defenders sack Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht #97 hits Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs #9 in the helmet as he pressures him in the first half of the game in Inglewood on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

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INGLEWOOD – Through two quarters on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams had run the ball three times for a total of 5 yards. The offense that Sean McVay had established six years ago on the legs of Todd Gurley opening up space for the air game had seemed to lose its identity, and as a result the Rams trailed by three at halftime.

But when the second half resumed, McVay called a carry for Kyren Williams that went 17 yards. Then a dive by Williams. Then a pitch to the outside by the second-year RB, then another carry. Then a couple handoffs to backup Ronnie Rivers, then back to Williams for two more.

Eight consecutive runs later, the Rams had moved 60 yards before quarterback Matthew Stafford dropped back. The defense softened up to defend the run, Stafford found receiver Cooper Kupp for the go-ahead touchdown.

Kupp’s first score of the year, and the rediscovered balance on offense, set up the Rams’ 26-9 win over the Cardinals.

After rushing just twice for 4 yards in the first half, Williams finished the game with a career-high 158 yards on 20 carries, averaging 7.9 per attempt.

Opening the first half, it was clear the Rams (3-3) were not in the right headspace on offense. They picked up a first down, then got no further as Stafford’s throws went off target. It was the first time this season the Rams failed to score on their opening possession.

Stafford found Kupp along the sideline for 37 yards to open the next drive. With first down at the Cardinals 11, Stafford overthrew Puka Nacua, threw behind Kupp, then overthrew Tutu Atwell. The Rams had to settle for a field goal.

Consecutive three-and-outs, both of which ended in sacks of Stafford, allowed the Cardinals (1-5) to take a 9-3 lead as the defense, despite some losses of containment on third-down, limited the damage to field goals. A 49-yard connection between Stafford and Kupp set up a field goal before the half and got the Rams within three.

But with the rushing attack stuck in the mud, the Rams went 0-for-5 on third down in the first half.

That conversion rate jumped to 4-for-7 after Williams was activated to open the third. After two field goals in five first-half possessions, the Rams scored on their first four possession in the second: The Kupp TD catch, two field goals and a 5-yard carry by Williams in which he extended his arms to get the ball past the goal line.

And after weeks of McVay imploring his team to play complementary football, the Rams turned two second-half turnovers – Christian Rozeboom’s first career interception and a fumble forced by Byron Young and recovered by Quentin Lake – into 10 points.

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Orange County Register

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Rams, Kyren Williams rediscover rushing attack in win over Cardinals

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