S Adrian Wilson had two interceptions, a blocked field goal and a sack to help the Cardinals escape St. Louis with a 17-13 win.
Cardinals WR Steve Breaston had 132 receiving yards, but his best play came when he forced Rams DL Clifton Ryan to fumble away a chance to score after QB Derek Anderson put the ball on the ground.
With RB Beanie Wells out, Cardinals RB LaRod Stephens-Howling stepped up with 49 yards on seven carries.
An injury to WR Early Doucet meant the Cardinals were forced to play undrafted rookies Max Komar and Stephen Williams much more than they planned.
Cardinals QB Derek Anderson only hooked up with WR Larry Fitzgerald on three of the 15 passes he sent Fitzgerald’s way, but one provided the winning points.
Rams QB Sam Bradford completed 32-of-55 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown in a busy debut performance.
Said Rams RB Steven Jackson, who ran for 81 yards, “There are some things to be proud of in this game. But to be a true leader I can’t be satisfied with a loss. I can’t let the guys be satisfied with coming up short.”
Rams WR Mark Clayton proved to be a quick study with a career-high 10 catches for 119 yards less than a week after joining the team.
The Rams might have lost on Sunday, but they gave their fans a performance that gave reason to hope better days are coming in the future.
Rams DE C.J. Ah You and DT Fred Robbins each had sacks for the Rams in a good first effort for their defensive line.