Trey McBride Shines, But That's Not Enough As Cardinals Fall To Rams

Tight end's big game can't prevent 13-9 defeat in Los Angeles

Dec 28, 2024 at 11:40 PM

Darren Urban

azcardinals.com

Cardinals tight end Trey McBride dives into the end zone with his first TD catch of the season, on his 98th reception.

THE STORY: LOS ANGELES -- Trey McBride found the end zone, finally, and he found his way to 100 receptions and 1,000 yards on the season.

But the pass that didn't get completed was the one the Cardinals want back.

Kyler Murray, on first-and-goal at the L.A. 5 with less than a minute left, tried to get it to McBride and the ball was tipped into the air -- where Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon made a diving interception at the goal line to seal a 13-9 Rams win.

"It felt like we for sure we were going to win that game," Murray said, noting he had the same feeling – and the same harsh result – at the end of the infamous Green Bay Thursday night loss in 2021.

"You're driving and the defense can't really stop you. It was just a (expletive) turn of events. Unlucky."

Murray wore a small what-else-could-go-wrong ironic smile as he said it. It was similar to the look coach Jonathan Gannon had afterward, as Gannon too said he thought for sure the Cardinals were going to end up with a win.

"It stings," Gannon acknowledged.

"I know we are close, man. I know it's hard to see that, and it's hard to take on the chin. But we will get better from it."

The Rams (10-6) can clinch the NFC West via the strength of victory tiebreaker if enough of the right teams win this weekend and make their game against the Seahawks moot next week. The Rams need three wins among the Bills, Commanders, Browns and Vikings on Sunday and the 49ers on Monday.

The Cardinals (7-9) are left with another frustrating loss with McBride's TD the only one of the game.

McBride's touchdown -- which came on his 98th catch of 2024 -- was a one-yard screen behind the blocking of fellow tight ends Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman.

"I'm glad we got it out of the way, but honestly it doesn't really matter much to me," McBride said. "The win means more to me."

The point-after by Chad Ryland was blocked, keeping it a four-point deficit. That point proved crucial, when the teams each had field goals in the fourth quarter. Had it been good, the Cardinals only would've needed a field goal to tie at the end.

Yet there were chances. Murray clicked with McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. (six catches, 96 yards) and threw a season-high 48 passes with James Conner's knee taking him out of the equation. He had 321 yards passing and another 32 rushing, but was picked in the end zone on the Cardinals' penultimate possession, a fourth-down heave that ended up as an arm punt.

The defense made sure to give the Cardinals one more chance. That possession looked like it would pay off, until Witherspoon's heroics. McBride had 12 catches for 123 yards – "Trey has arrived," Murray said. "He's tough to stop" -- but his 16th target was the one the Cardinals wanted back.

In tight coverage, the ball ricocheted off McBride into the air, where Witherspoon was watching while covering Zay Jones. He dove and grabbed it just before it hit the ground.

"It was the exact look we were looking for," McBride said. "Exactly what we needed. Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way and it seemed like the case today.

"It's my fault. I have to get open faster. It hit me right in the face. I gotta make that play."

Running back James Conner played despite a right knee injury, but he was only able to gain 8 yards on six touches before leaving the game in the first half. Michael Carter did a nice job in his place, with 70 yards on 13 carries.

The defense held the Rams to 257 yards, while the Cardinals had 396. The problem was they needed 401.

"You gotta score more points than them," Gannon said. "I'm pissed off and I chuckle about it but that's the game."

TURNING POINT: The Cardinals were in position to win, just five yards from the end zone with plenty of time – until Witherspoon's interception. The blocked extra point, coming off the elation of McBride's first touchdown, also was crucial, even though the Cardinals rallied from that point.

THE STANDOUTS: McBride had an excellent game. Marvin Harrison Jr. had six catches for 96 yards. Budda Baker had a couple of pass breakups (including one that could've been an interception) as the defense bounced back in a big way. Garrett Williams was playing well too before leaving for a concussion check. The defense as a whole held the Rams to 6-of-15 on third downs.