ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals’ offense non-existent in 1st half of Wild Card game vs. Rams

Jan 17, 2022, 7:55 PM | Updated: Jan 18, 2022, 12:07 am

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by by Leonard Floyd #54 of the Los Angeles Rams...

Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by by Leonard Floyd #54 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at SoFi Stadium on January 17, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Things couldn’t have started any worse for the Arizona Cardinals in their 34-11 Wild Card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday night.

After receiving the opening kickoff, the Cardinals mustered a total of 40 yards on seven possessions en route to a 21-0 halftime deficit.

The first four Arizona drives resulted in zero first downs, an abysmal -1 total yards of offense, two Kyler Murray sacks and one pick-six for Los Angeles.

Murray was sacked twice by the Rams and went 7-for-17 (41.1%) for 28 yards and two interceptions in the first half at SoFi Stadium.

It took until the Cardinals’ fifth possession of the game to get their first new set of downs in the contest.

Things weren’t much better on the defensive side of the ball for the Cardinals, either.

After forcing a three-and-out on the Rams’ first possession of the game, Los Angeles proceeded to score a touchdown on each of its next two possessions.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. from four yards out on the first TD and then rushed it in himself on a goal-line QB sneak for the second score.

In the first half, Los Angeles led Arizona in first downs (9-3), total yards (180-140), plays (32-26) and time of possession (19:15-10:45).

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is introduced before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) cannot catch a pass in bounds while being defended by Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long Jr. during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, left, is sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden, top, sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) rolls out against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, middle, runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) catches a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., top, catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (54) gestures during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams running back Sony Michel (25) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., top, catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson (20) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee, foreground, runs against Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Isaiah Simmons (9) and safety Budda Baker during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) is sacked by Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay walks on the sideline during the first half of his team's NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee reacts after catching a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, foreground, runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., left, is tackled by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., right, is congratulated by running back Sony Michel (25) after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, middle, scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, middle, is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) celebrates with quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) scrambles from Los Angeles Rams defensive end Greg Gaines (91) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams punter Johnny Hekker (6) celebrates with teammates after punting against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, left, tackles Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury watches during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at SoFi Stadium on January 17, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandon Powell (19) runs against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long Jr., top, is congratulated by cornerback Donte' Deayon (21) after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Troy Reeder, left, pressures Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) into throwing a pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by David Long Jr. during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Troy Reeder, left, pressures Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) into throwing a pass that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by David Long Jr. during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by by Leonard Floyd #54 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at SoFi Stadium on January 17, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long Jr. celebrates after scoring on an interception return during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver A.J. Green, right, cannot catch a pass while defended by Los Angeles Rams safety Nick Scott (33) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long Jr., foreground left, is congratulated by cornerback Darious Williams after scoring on an interception return during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller (40) celebrates during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Marquise Copeland, left, intercepts a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long Jr., right, is congratulated by inside linebacker Troy Reeder after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Marquise Copeland (93) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore, right, catches a pass in front of Los Angeles Rams defensive back David Long Jr. (22) during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald (99) celebrates during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals inside linebacker Tanner Vallejo (51) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Marquise Copeland (93) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, right, runs against Arizona Cardinals free safety Jalen Thompson (34) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, bottom, scores a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., left, and cornerback Luq Barcoo (27) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Arizona Cardinals tight end Darrell Daniels (81) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams defensive end A'Shawn Robinson, left, and inside linebacker Troy Reeder during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams defensive back Eric Weddle (20) congratulates teammates during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp, left, celebrates after catching a touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Players try to separate Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries, middle left, from Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams defensive end A'Shawn Robinson (94) tackles Arizona Cardinals tight end Darrell Daniels during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Arizona Cardinals fans react to the score during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, bottom, falls forward after tackling Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (23) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson, left, catches a pass against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Marco Wilson during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals is carted off the field after an injury during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at SoFi Stadium on January 17, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is carted off the field during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, middle, is tackled by Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99) during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) gestures during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (86) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Troy Reeder, top, and cornerback Darious Williams during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Arizona Cardinals running back Eno Benjamin, left, sits on the bench with teammates during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury walks off the field after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cardinals in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp walks off the field after the Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks off the field after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cardinals in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. walks off the field after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cardinals in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) smiles after the Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Los Angeles Rams cornerback Donte' Deayon, right, breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Antoine Wesley during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford walks off the field after the Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay gestures toward fans after the Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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