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Why Officiating Expert Disagrees With Penalty That Set Cardinals Up For Game-Winner vs. Rams

The Arizona Cardinals pulled off the biggest upset of the NFL season on Sunday, October 18, 2026, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 at SoFi Stadium. Arizona entered the contest as 12.5-point underdogs but secured its second victory of the year and its first win against an NFC West opponent since the 2024 season.

The game's decisive moment unfolded late in the fourth quarter following a controversial penalty call.

On the opening play of the Cardinals' final drive, quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed a 21-yard pass to receiver Jalen Brooks, who fell on the shoulder of Rams cornerback Josh Wallace. Officials called a personal foul penalty against Wallace on the play.

The ruling advanced Arizona 36 yards down the field, putting the ball at the Rams' 29-yard line with 41 seconds remaining. Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland eventually converted a 43-yard field goal as time expired to seal the win.

It was Ryland's sixth successful field goal of the day.

The penalty call drew criticism from FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira, who questioned the severity of the contact. "Well, my first thought is this is one that replay could take off if there's no contact," Pereira stated.

"There is contact, but is it enough contact that’s not forceable? … For me, that’s one I do not think needs to be called."

Arizona controlled the clock throughout the afternoon, winning time of possession 34:52 to 25:08. Brissett ended the game completing 24 of 35 passes for 218 yards with an interception, with tight end Trey McBride leading the Cardinals with seven catches for 53 yards.

Safety Budda Baker was active for Arizona despite being listed as questionable with a groin injury, while running back Jeremiyah Love was ruled out due to an ankle injury.

For the Rams, Matthew Stafford completed 25 of 33 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Puka Nacua recorded six receptions for 80 yards, and running back Blake Corum caught a 15-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

Davante Adams caught three passes for 39 yards before exiting late in the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury. Los Angeles also dealt with special teams adjustments after kicker Blake Grupe injured his knee early while making a tackle on a kickoff, forcing punter Ethan Evans to successfully kick an extra point later in the game.

Defensively, safety Kam Curl played for Los Angeles after dealing with an ankle issue, while cornerback Trent McDuffie missed the game with a groin injury. Following the loss, the Rams fell to a 2-4 record on the season.

Looking ahead to Week 7, the Rams will play the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Cardinals will return home to host the Denver Broncos.

This report also draws on coverage from Pro Football Talk, Yahoo Sports, Bolavip US.

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