GLENDALE – After a massive upset on Sunday in Los Angeles, the Arizona Cardinals didn’t just beat the Los Angeles Rams; they may have discovered three major keys to what football needs to look like for them if they want to keep on their winning ways.
Oct 18, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland (38) celebrates with teammates after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Victory WONdayđź•ş https://t.co/APxID7Tuyn
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 19, 2026
The biggest takeaway was a Cardinals defense that barely resembled the unit Arizona had shown earlier in the season; the defense finally looked different. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis made the necessary adjustments, while head coach Matt LaFleur’s familiarity with Sean McVay and the Rams’ offensive concepts appeared valuable in constructing Arizona’s approach. More importantly, it showed the Cardinals don’t necessarily need an explosive offense every week if their defense can consistently dictate games.
Oct 18, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) is wrapped up by Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) after a first down in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The @AZCardinals got a huge win against a divisional opponent on the road.
Pam Oliver spoke with safety @Buddabaker3 after the game. https://t.co/DUbCbMT54B
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 18, 2026
Jacoby Brissett did what Arizona needed to get the win. Brissett didn’t throw a touchdown, but that almost strengthens the argument for what his role should be. Arizona didn’t need him to become the reason it won; it needed him to avoid becoming the reason it lost. That’s what quality journeyman and backup quarterbacks do, and it’s largely what Brissett has provided throughout his career. If he can eliminate costly mistakes and keep the offense moving, Arizona can afford to be patient with him, especially if the defense continues playing at this level.
Oct 18, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) and wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) walk off the field after defeating the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
“The work works.”
Goodnight for real this time, #BirdGang https://t.co/XV4OP9AXTM
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 19, 2026
The schedule suddenly feels different as Arizona’s next four games with Denver, Dallas, Seattle, and another matchup with Los Angeles looked daunting entering the season. Now? Maybe not as much. Bo Nix and Denver have struggled to find consistency, Dallas has dealt with its own issues, Seattle hasn’t maintained its early-season form, and Arizona just proved it can beat the Rams. One win doesn’t fix a season, but confidence matters and grows quickly in the NFL. Arizona entered Los Angeles needing a win, and it left with something potentially more valuable: a blueprint.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
