The Los Angeles Rams fell to 2-4 on the season after a 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. The defeat extended the Rams' losing streak to six games and marked their fourth consecutive defeat. The game concluded with a controversial finish as Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland converted a 54-yard field goal as time expired to secure the win.
Blake Grupe's knee injury in the first quarter further complicated the Rams' special teams troubles. Grupe, who had just replaced Harrison Mevis after Mevis missed a crucial field goal in overtime against the Buffalo Bills, exited the game after attempting a tackle on Arizona returner Devin Duvernay. The injury forced the Rams to rely on punter Ethan Evans for a critical extra-point attempt in the final minute, which Grupe had successfully converted earlier in the game.
The Rams' offense, which entered the game as the league's most productive by yardage, managed only 222 passing yards and three touchdowns in the contest. Quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 25 of 33 passes, but the team's inability to sustain drives in key moments proved costly. The Cardinals, who had allowed at least 31 points in each of their previous four games, held the Rams to just 16 points.
Officiating controversies also played a role in the outcome. A questionable personal foul call against the Rams helped the Cardinals reach field goal range for the game-winning score. Former NFL quarterback Sean Salisbury criticized NFL officials after the game, calling for immediate accountability and postgame questioning of referees.
The Rams' roster has undergone significant changes since their Super Bowl LVI victory, with only six players remaining from that championship team. Additions included cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, both of whom hold multiple Super Bowl rings. However, the team's performance has not reflected championship contender status, with their 2-4 record marking the worst start in Sean McVay's tenure as head coach.
Special teams remain a critical concern for the Rams. Grupe's injury followed Mevis' missed field goal against Buffalo, which cost the team the game. The Rams have now waived two kickers within a week, raising questions about the stability of their special teams unit.
Defensively, the Rams struggled to contain the Cardinals' offense, which capitalized on key opportunities. The loss continues a troubling trend for a team that entered the season as the preseason Super Bowl favorite.
The Rams will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game, with their playoff hopes increasingly in jeopardy.