THE STORY: The Cardinals promised they would get the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr. Sunday. And oh yes, they did.
But to say that was the totality of a 41-10 demolishing of the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in the home opener would be woefully in error. Not when Kyler Murray played one of the most efficient games of his career in slicing up the Rams with his arm and his legs, not when the running game had 236 yards, not when the defense dominated and Dennis Gardeck had a career-best three sacks.
It did start with Harrison, however, with his two touchdown catches of 23 and 60 yards in the first quarter, each spectacular in their own way — the first a toe-tapping thing of beauty, the second a perfect play-action with Harrison diving head-long at the goal line to ensure a score. It was a long way from the one-catch debut Harrison had last week in Buffalo.
Harrison finished with four catches for 130 yards. Murray was fantastic, with a perfect passer rating of 158.3, completing 17-of-21 passes for 266 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers. The QB also had 59 yards rushing on five attempts. James Conner finished with 122 yards rushing and a TD on 21 carries.
The Cardinals (1-1) beat the Rams at home — an annual matchup — for the first time since 2014, and gave coach Jonathan Gannon his first victory against an NFC West opponent.
The Rams (0-2) are beat up, hurting on the offensive line and losing wide receiver Cooper Kupp to an ankle injury late in the first half. But the Cardinals also showed what they can be, and how coming to State Farm Stadium could be a problem for those visiting this season.
More to come on azcardinals.com.
