Rams-Cardinals takeaways: Kyren Williams makes offense healthy - Los Angeles Times
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Rams-Cardinals takeaways: Healthy dose of Kyren Williams needed for L.A. playoff run

Kyren Williams scores one of his two touchdowns as Rams teammate Puka Nacua (17) signals TD.
(Matt York / Associated Press)
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The Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 37-14, on Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

What we learned from a victory that improved the Rams’ record to 5-6 and kept them in the playoff hunt:

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Kyren Williams must remain physically sound

The Rams' Kyren Williams celebrates one of his two touchdowns against the Cardinals.
(Matt York / Associated Press)

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Williams returned from injured reserve and picked up where he left off: With a career-best performance against the Cardinals, 204 yards from scrimmage.

Williams rushed for 143 yards in 16 carries, including a 56-yard run. He also caught six passes for 61 yards and two touchdowns.

It was his first game since Oct. 15, when he rushed for a career-best 158 yards in a victory over the Cardinals.

In between, the Rams went 1-3.

The Rams won their second game in a row, 37-14 over the Cardinals, to improve to 5-6 and stay in contention for a playoff spot in the NFC.

Nov. 26, 2023

So Williams’ ability to run effectively and catch the ball in the flat and on screen passes makes a huge difference for coach/play-caller Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense.

So does tough running by Royce Freeman, who rushed for 77 yards in 13 carries.

Consider: The Rams won easily on a day that Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua combined for seven catches for 45 yards.

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Kupp, attempting to play through a right ankle sprain, hobbled after aggravating the injury in the first quarter.

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Tyler Higbee is still a threat inside the 20-yard line

Rams tight end Tyler Higbee scores one of his two touchdowns against the Cardinals.
(Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)

Higbee, a mainstay of the offense for seven-plus seasons, caught his first two touchdown passes of the season.

Higbee’s seven-yard touchdown in the first quarter gave the Rams a 7-0 lead. His five-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter put the Rams ahead, 14-8.

He finished with five catches for 29 yards.

Rookie Davis Allen had only one catch, but his six-yard reception on third-and-five set up Higbee’s second touchdown.

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McVay must go deep with Tutu Atwell

Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell hauls in a 42-yard reception as Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V covers.
(Matt York / Associated Press)

On the third play of the game, the speedy Atwell got behind the defense and caught a 42-yard pass from Stafford. The play set up the Rams’ first touchdown.

It was the second time in two weeks that Atwell stretched the defense. In a 17-16 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Atwell drew a pass-interference penalty that resulted in a 45-yard gain.

On Sunday, Atwell made other key receptions. He finished with three catches for 76 yards.

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Safety Jordan Fuller makes plays on the ball

Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) breaks up a pass intended for the Cardinals' Marquise Brown.
(Matt York / Associated Press)

Fuller, a fourth-year pro, is most often praised for his leadership. Early in the season, he forced several fumbles and intercepted a pass.

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On Sunday, he thwarted several threats by breaking up four passes by Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.

Kobie Turner, a third-round draft pick from Wake Forest, also was a big contributor on defense. He recorded two sacks to increase his season total to four.

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Rams still kicking this around

Placekicker Lucas Havrisik is still striving for consistency. Last week, he kicked what proved to be the game-winning field goal against the Seahawks.

On Sunday, he missed a 50-yard attempt, made a 24-yard attempt and made four of five extra-point attempts.

The Rams won in a rout, so the miscues did not prove costly.

Breaking down the notable numbers behind the Rams’ 37-14 road the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday — scoring and statistics.

Nov. 26, 2023

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