Technically, it was any worthless match during which neither the Arizona Cardinals nor the St. Louis Rams were likely to see the postseason. But in some aspects, the Cardinals had something to play for. They had the chance to end above .500 for the first time since before 2000, provided they finished 9-7. And of course, they wanted to finish the season on a high note as well. Mission accomplished because all aspects of the Cardinals team got involved in the scoring as they mauled the Rams 48-19 Thursday in Glendale.
Both teams traded field goals in the first quarter, then the Rams decided to take a risk early; at fourth-and-4, St. Louis failed to convert, giving the ball to Arizona. The Cards then proceeded to march 57 yards, capping the drive with a run by Edgerrin James into the end zone from 2 yards out, putting Phoenix up 10-7 with 7:45 remaining in the first half. On the second play of scrimmage, Rams quarterback Marc Bulger threw an interception to Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle. Rolle returned the pick-6 48 yards for a score, increasing Arizona's lead to 17-7.
About 7 and a half minutes later, Cardinals QB Kurt Warner would connect on a TD pass to wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, extending the lead to 24-7. A late first-half 42-yard field goal by Rams kicker Rob Wilkins made the Cardinals' first-half lead 24-10, a result that Arizona would have no trouble holding onto. Warner stood a successful test dive, going 23-of-39 for 309 yards with three touchdown passes and no interceptions. James led all Cardinals rushers with 102 yards on 21 carries and a score; he also caught three passes for 34 yards. Fitzgerald had a season-ending performance, hooking 13 catches for 171 yards and two TDs, while WR Anquan Boldin caught five for 56 and a score.
The Rams managed to scrounge up 234 yards of total offense, led by Bulger, who went 13-of-25 for 176 yards with a TD and two INTs; RB Stephen Jackson led the Rams' rushing attack (or lack thereof) with 18 carries for 55 yards. WR Torry Holt led the Rams receivers with 8 receptions for 93 yards, while tight end Brandon Manupost caught a ball for 39 yards and a score. Some key milestones were registered in the process as well. As previously noted, they hit the .500 mark for the first time since before 2000 after finishing 9-7 and making the playoffs. The Rams' Holt also became the 19th player in NFL history to have at least 800 receptions in a career.
The Cardinals, barring a meltdown in the 2007 offseason, should have a solid foundation entering next year. The offense is set, possibly except for determining who the starting QB will be next season. The defense, especially their secondary, is gradually improving; that should make things interesting to watch next summer in the NFC West. The Rams (3-13), on the other hand, are in disarray and have a lot of work to do to become relevant again next year.