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ARI |
LAR |
Palmer, Fitzgerald lead Cardinals' 44-6 rout of LA Rams
LOS ANGELES (AP) Larry Fitzgerald still hasn't decided whether he'll return to the Arizona Cardinals next season.
Yet if the star receiver realizes that if he can't end his career holding the Lombardi Trophy, catching a touchdown pass to win the NFL receptions title in a dominant victory wouldn't be a terrible substitute.
Carson Palmer threw touchdown passes to Jeremy Ross, Darren Fells and Fitzgerald, and the Cardinals wrapped up a frustrating season with a 44-6 victory over the freefalling Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Fitzgerald caught five passes and took the overall NFL lead with 107 catches in perhaps his final game for the Cardinals (7-8-1).
He intends to take his time with his decision on retirement following his 13th NFL season, even after he returned to the field in the fourth quarter for that TD grab and chants of ''Larry! Larry!'' from the Coliseum crowd.
''It's disappointing, but we really finished the season on a high note,'' said Fitzgerald, who moved ahead of Pittsburgh's Antonio Brown and New England's Julian Edelman with his last catch.
''I always stay in the moment, and the game wasn't over yet. I was still honed in and focused on what we had to accomplish. ... I approach the offseason the same way all the time: It's jet-setting time.''
The Cardinals missed the playoffs one year after reaching the NFC championship game despite an offense and a defense ranked in the top quarter of the league.
Arizona still finished the season strong with wins over NFC West champion Seattle and Los Angeles (4-12), which has lost seven straight.
''I'm very happy with the way we played in the last two weeks,'' coach Bruce Arians said. ''But I'm unhappy that we did not win four or five games in the fourth quarter (earlier in the season).''
The Cardinals' defense sacked Jared Goff seven times and allowed just 122 yards by the Rams, who wrapped up their homecoming season with their worst record since 2011.
''I'm not sure there is much'' of a bright spot to this season, Goff said. ''Maybe that we have a change coming that is going to be positive and bring a lot of positive energy.''
With a blowout win capped by Justin Bethel's 68-yard TD return of Sean Mannion's interception with 8:06 to play, the Cardinals also got even for their 17-13 loss to the Rams in Week 4, one of several early flubs that doomed an injury-filled roster to an early winter.
Los Angeles was 3-1 after that road victory, but lost 11 of its final 12 games in an incredible pratfall.
Interim coach John Fassel went 0-3 after replacing the fired Jeff Fisher, who presided over the Rams' relocation and the franchise's 13th consecutive non-winning season.
''This isn't the culture you want to live in,'' offensive tackle Rodger Saffold said. ''I've been here seven years and still haven't had a winning season. I know I've worked hard enough to deserve better.''
Despite managing just 77 yards of offense in the first half, Los Angeles kept Arizona's lead to 16-6 with a handful of big plays, including a blocked punt by Chase Reynolds.
INJURY UPDATE
David Johnson left the field on a cart in the first quarter with an injured left knee after getting tackled awkwardly, but Arizona's star running back appeared to be able to put weight on his leg when he returned to watch the second half from the sideline. Johnson gained 100 yards from scrimmage in each of the first 15 games for the Cardinals while compiling the franchise's first 2,000-yard season. The Cardinals had no immediate update on his prognosis. ''We're praying it's all positive, and I can block for him in the Pro Bowl in the next couple of weeks,'' Fitzgerald said.
GOFF'S FINISH
Goff wrapped up his winless rookie season by going 13 of 20 for 120 yards while getting physically clobbered by yet another defense. The No. 1 overall pick went 0-7 with seven interceptions and five TD passes for the Rams, who lost their final six home games after winning their ballyhooed opener in September.
THE WORST
The Rams managed 482 yards in their final three games under Fassel, including 81 yards in the first three quarters against Arizona. They will finish as the NFL's 32nd-ranked offense for the second straight season.
HEISMAN RETURN
Palmer went 20 of 38 for 255 yards in a solid return to the stadium where he won the Heisman Trophy 14 years ago with Southern California. He hadn't been back inside the Coliseum since throwing four touchdown passes to beat Notre Dame in November 2002.
TYPICAL STRUGGLES
The Rams went nowhere on offense for their first 5 1/2 drives before back-to-back big gainers, but even that went wrong. After Todd Gurley caught a 29-yard pass, Tavon Austin ran 38 yards for a TD on a direct snap to the wideout - but it was wiped out by an illegal motion penalty against Goff, of all people.
---
For more NFL coverage: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
Copyright 2017 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.
C. Palmer
3 QB 255 PaYds, 3 PaTDs, INT |
26
FPTS
|
|
T. Gurley
21 RB 40 RuYds, 37 ReYds, 4 RECs |
7
FPTS
|
Team Stats | ||
---|---|---|
Time of Pos | - | - |
1st Downs | 0 | 0 |
Rushing | 0 | 0 |
Passing | 0 | 0 |
Penalty | 0 | 0 |
3rd Down Conv | 0-0 | 0-0 |
4th Down Conv | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Total Net Yards | 0 | 0 |
Total Plays | 0 | 0 |
Avg Gain | 0 | 0 |
Net Yards Rushing | 0 | 0 |
Rush Attempts | 0 | 0 |
Avg Rush Yards | 0 | 0 |
Net Yards Passing | 0 | 0 |
Comp. - Att. | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Yards Per Pass | 0 | 0 |
Penalties - Yards | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Touchdowns | ||
Rushing TDs | 0 | 0 |
Passing TDs | 0 | 0 |
Other | ||
Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
Fumbles - Lost | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Int. Thrown | 0 | 0 |
Punts - Avg | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Return Yards | ||
Punts - Returns | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Kickoffs - Returns | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Int. - Returns | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Red Zone Eff. | 0-0 -0% | 0-0 -0% |
Goal to Go Eff. | 0-0 -0% | 0-0 -0% |
Safeties | 0 | 0 |
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
C. PalmerÂ
3 QB
26 FPTS
|
C. Palmer | 20/38 | 255 | 3 | 1 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. StantonÂ
5 QB
-2 FPTS
|
D. Stanton | 2/4 | 8 | 0 | 1 | -2 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
K. WilliamsÂ
33 RB
12 FPTS
|
K. Williams | 12 | 60 | 1 | 21 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. EllingtonÂ
38 RB
1 FPTS
|
A. Ellington | 7 | 18 | 0 | 7 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. JohnsonÂ
31 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Johnson | 5 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 3 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
J. NelsonÂ
14 WR
7 FPTS
|
J. Nelson | 12 | 4 | 75 | 0 | 32 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
L. FitzgeraldÂ
11 WR
10 FPTS
|
L. Fitzgerald | 7 | 5 | 43 | 1 | 22 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. JohnsonÂ
31 RB
3 FPTS
|
D. Johnson | 4 | 3 | 38 | 0 | 17 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
D. FellsÂ
85 TE
9 FPTS
|
D. Fells | 2 | 1 | 37 | 1 | 37 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. RossÂ
16 WR
9 FPTS
|
J. Ross | 4 | 4 | 37 | 1 | 15 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. BrownÂ
12 WR
2 FPTS
|
J. Brown | 4 | 2 | 25 | 0 | 16 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. EllingtonÂ
38 RB
1 FPTS
|
A. Ellington | 3 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
B. GoldenÂ
10 WR
0 FPTS
|
B. Golden | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
K. WilliamsÂ
33 RB
12 FPTS
|
K. Williams | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. GreshamÂ
84 TE
0 FPTS
|
J. Gresham | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT | FF |
J. BethelÂ
28 CB
|
J. Bethel | 7-0 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. MooreÂ
54 ILB
|
S. Moore | 6-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. SwearingerÂ
36 FS
|
D. Swearinger | 6-0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
H. MillerÂ
34 CB
|
H. Miller | 4-1 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. CooperÂ
41 CB
|
M. Cooper | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. GoldenÂ
44 OLB
|
M. Golden | 3-1 | 2.5 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. MauroÂ
97 DE
|
J. Mauro | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. MinterÂ
51 MLB
|
K. Minter | 3-3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
P. PetersonÂ
21 CB
|
P. Peterson | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. MartinÂ
96 LB
|
K. Martin | 2-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
R. GunterÂ
95 NT
|
R. Gunter | 2-1 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
H. VallesÂ
89 TE
|
H. Valles | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. WilliamsÂ
33 RB
|
K. Williams | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. WilliamsÂ
26 CB
|
B. Williams | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. GoldenÂ
10 WR
|
B. Golden | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. PetersÂ
98 NT
|
C. Peters | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. BryantÂ
25 DB
|
C. Bryant | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. JonesÂ
55 OLB
|
C. Jones | 1-1 | 1.5 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. BrewerÂ
46 LS
|
A. Brewer | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. NelsonÂ
14 WR
|
J. Nelson | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. CampbellÂ
93 DE
|
C. Campbell | 1-2 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. WrightÂ
58 ILB
|
S. Wright | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
C. CatanzaroÂ
7 K
0 FPTS
|
C. Catanzaro | 3/3 | 47 | 5/5 | 14 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
M. WileÂ
6 P
|
M. Wile | 3 | 49.0 | 0 | 54 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
P. Peterson 21 CB
0 FPTS
|
P. Peterson | 4 | 6.5 | 17 | 0 |
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT | FPTS |
J. GoffÂ
16 QB
4 FPTS
|
J. Goff | 13/20 | 120 | 0 | 0 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S. MannionÂ
14 QB
-2 FPTS
|
S. Mannion | 3/6 | 19 | 0 | 1 | -2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
J. HekkerÂ
6 P
0 FPTS
|
J. Hekker | 1/1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
P. CooperÂ
10 WR
1 FPTS
|
P. Cooper | 0/1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
T. GurleyÂ
30 RB
7 FPTS
|
T. Gurley | 14 | 40 | 0 | 8 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. BrownÂ
39 RB
1 FPTS
|
M. Brown | 5 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. AustinÂ
11 WR
-1 FPTS
|
T. Austin | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. MannionÂ
14 QB
-2 FPTS
|
S. Mannion | 1 | -1 | 0 | -1 | -2 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG | FPTS |
T. GurleyÂ
30 RB
7 FPTS
|
T. Gurley | 5 | 4 | 37 | 0 | 29 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
P. CooperÂ
10 WR
1 FPTS
|
P. Cooper | 6 | 4 | 36 | 0 | 23 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. AustinÂ
11 WR
-1 FPTS
|
T. Austin | 4 | 2 | 18 | 0 | 10 | -1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
M. ThomasÂ
13 WR
1 FPTS
|
M. Thomas | 1 | 1 | 15 | 0 | 15 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
B. QuickÂ
83 WR
1 FPTS
|
B. Quick | 7 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 10 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
L. KendricksÂ
88 TE
1 FPTS
|
L. Kendricks | 3 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 9 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
P. McRobertsÂ
8 WR
0 FPTS
|
P. McRoberts | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
C. ReynoldsÂ
34 RB
0 FPTS
|
C. Reynolds | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT | FF |
T. JohnsonÂ
22 CB
|
T. Johnson | 5-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. BarronÂ
26 OLB
|
M. Barron | 4-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. CountessÂ
29 CB
|
B. Countess | 4-5 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. OgletreeÂ
52 MLB
|
A. Ogletree | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. AlexanderÂ
31 FS
|
M. Alexander | 3-2 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. McDonaldÂ
25 SS
|
T. McDonald | 3-2 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
E. GainesÂ
33 CB
|
E. Gaines | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
E. SimsÂ
97 DE
|
E. Sims | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. JordanÂ
35 DB
|
M. Jordan | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. LittletonÂ
58 OLB
|
C. Littleton | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
E. WestbrooksÂ
93 DE
|
E. Westbrooks | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
W. HayesÂ
95 DE
|
W. Hayes | 2-0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. ThomasÂ
13 WR
|
M. Thomas | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. BrockersÂ
90 DT
|
M. Brockers | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
P. CooperÂ
10 WR
|
P. Cooper | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. DavisÂ
38 DB
|
C. Davis | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. GurleyÂ
30 RB
|
T. Gurley | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. EasleyÂ
91 DT
|
D. Easley | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. FoxÂ
70 DE
|
M. Fox | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. ReynoldsÂ
34 RB
|
C. Reynolds | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. ThomasÂ
92 DT
|
C. Thomas | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
G. ZuerleinÂ
4 K
0 FPTS
|
G. Zuerlein | 2/2 | 37 | 0/0 | 6 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
J. HekkerÂ
6 P
|
J. Hekker | 7 | 48.1 | 1 | 73 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
P. CooperÂ
10 WR
1 FPTS
|
P. Cooper | 4 | 18.3 | 29 | 0 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
T. Austin 11 WR
-1 FPTS
|
T. Austin | 3 | 6.0 | 18 | 0 |