Limiting Top-Ranked Offense, Cardinals Defense Showed Potential

LaFleur: Identity can be built off performance against Rams

By Zach Gershman · Arizona Cardinals

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 11:21 PM

Key Things to Know

The Cardinals defense showed strong potential by limiting the Rams' top-ranked offense in a victory on Sunday.
Arizona utilized an aggressive game plan featuring a season-high 13 blitzes and two sacks against Matthew Stafford.
Safety Budda Baker recorded six tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack in the defensive effort.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Arizona Cardinals' defense showed notable progress in Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Rams after previously enduring four consecutive games allowing 30 or more points. Head coach Mike LaFleur praised defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and the unit's play style, highlighting a season-high 13 blitzes that held the NFL's top-ranked Rams offense to just 200 yards prior to their final drive.

Safety Budda Baker and outside linebacker Josh Sweat each recorded sacks against Matthew Stafford, with Baker tallying six tackles and two tackles for loss. Arizona also forced two turnovers on downs in the second half, before Chad Ryland secured the win with a late game-winning field goal.

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Limiting Top-Ranked Offense, Cardinals Defense Showed Potential

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