NFC West leader delivers 45-17 defeat

Darren Urban

THE STORY:The game started just the way the Cardinals had hoped, with Trey McBride angry running after a catch and Michael Wilson snaring a touchdown reception.

After that, however, the result was what the Rams needed.

Battling for an NFC West crown and coming off a loss, the Rams (10-3) controlled most of Sunday at State Farm Stadium in a 45-17 decision, a day that was difficult for the injury-ravaged Cardinals (3-10).

For the first time this season, the Cardinals' entire inactives list was filled with injured players, and then left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. left the game in the second half with a knee injury.

The Rams had 531 yards of offense. Rams QB Matthew Stafford had three touchdown passes before leaving with 11 minutes left in the game.

For the Cardinals, Wilson had 11 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns. McBride extended his streak of games with at least five catches, but needed a screen pass late to make it to an NFL-record-tying 15 straight games.

More to come on azcardinals.com.