Cardinals quiet noise around defense, trajectory of franchise with inspiring win

The Arizona Cardinals brought the belts and the fire extinguishers to Los Angeles. They punished the Rams and muted the critics. They won the fistfight and the football game.

Was it enough to calm a fan base on the brink of mutiny?

Following an 18-16 win on Sunday, even the loudest detractors, petitioners and crowd-funders must pause and show some respect. The Cardinals were the biggest underdogs entering Week 6 and walked away with their second win at SoFi Stadium in the past six weeks. They no longer occupy last place in the NFC West.

The victory also provides hope for a hopeless defense. And maybe that changes everything.

The Cardinals received an elite performance from Budda Baker, who turned back the clock and terrorized the Rams from every direction. He brought a hostile energy that helped a much-maligned defense sustain 60 minutes of aggression.

They received a rugged performance from Bam Knight, who is exactly the kind of bursting, twitchy running back this offense needs to get vertical. He’s proof that sometimes the best solutions are right there in plain sight.

Individual inspiration was everywhere, from Josh Sweat to Trey McBride, from Elijah Higgins to L.J. Collier, from Roy Lopez to Chad Ryland. And, yes, even Jacoby Brissett, who rarely gets credit for anything. This time, he gets credit for the rare come-from-behind victory.

Finally, what a moment for Jalen Brooks, the wide receiver who will likely get fresh opportunities in the wake of the Marvin Harrison Jr. trade. Alas, Brooks dropped an easy completion late in the game. So did Kendrick Bourne. They were the kind of skittish plays you can’t miss if you’re looking to beat a potential Super Bowl contender on the road, and it seemed both might doom the visitors.

But on the final drive of the game, the Cardinals needed one big moment, and Brooks delivered. So did Ryland. And when it was over, the sense of relief was palpable. The football team had delivered exactly the kind of game the organization needed, calming the nerves entering a very important week in team history.

The Cardinals will honor Larry Fitzgerald during a Week 7 game against the Broncos at State Farm Stadium. It’s our long-awaited chance to say goodbye. And given the magnitude of the moment, it’s nice to start the week with a Victory Monday and not fire alarms blaring across the Valley.

Reach Bickley at dbickley@arizonasports.com. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7.

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