Trey McBride shines, but it’s not enough as Cardinals fall to Rams

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

But the pass that wasn’t completed was the one the Cardinals want back.

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

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

“You drive and the defense can’t really stop you. It was just an (explosive) turnover. Unlucky.”

Murray wore a wry, what-else-could-go-wrong smile when he said that. That was similar to the look coach Jonathan Gannon had afterward, when Gannon also said he thought for sure the Cardinals would end up with a win.

“It stings,” Gannon admitted.

“I know we’re close, man. I know it’s hard to see and it’s hard to take on the chin. But we’ll get better.”

The Rams (10-6) can win 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 over 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 being the only one of the game.

McBride’s touchdown — which came on his 98th catch of 2024 — was a 1-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 mean that much to me,” McBride said. “The win means more to me.”

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

Still, there were chances. Murray clicked with McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. (six catches, 98 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 off 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 set to pay off until Witherspoon’s heroics. McBride had 12 catches for 123 yards – “Trey has arrived,” Murray said. “He’s hard to stop” — but his 16th goal was the one the Cardinals wanted back.

In close coverage, the ball ricocheted off McBride in the air, with Witherspoon watching as he covered Zay Jones. He dove and caught it just before it hit the ground.

“It was exactly the look we were going for,” McBride said. “Exactly what we needed. Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way and that seemed to be the case today.

“It’s my fault. I have to open faster. It hit me right in the face. I have to make that play.”

Running back James Conner played despite a right knee injury, but was only able to gain 8 yards on six touches before leaving the game in the first half. Michael Carter did a good 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 have to score more points than them,” Gannon said. “I’m angry and I laugh about it, but that’s the game.”