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Cardinals end Rams’ shutout streak, move closer to playoff berth

Arizona’s Chandler Catanzaro kicks a second-half field goal, one of his four during Thursday’s win over the St. Louis Rams. (Associated Press)
R.B. Fallstrom Associated Press

ST. LOUIS – Drew Stanton hopped off the field to the bench and was carted off with a right knee injury.

For the second straight meeting against the St. Louis Rams, the Arizona Cardinals lost a quarterback.

They won both times, thanks to strong defense.

Chandler Catanzaro kicked four field goals and the Cardinals overcame the loss of Stanton with their stifling defense, moving closer to clinching a playoff spot with a 12-6 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night.

Larry Foote had a sack and fumble recovery.

Coach Bruce Arians said Stanton had a previous knee injury so will need an MRI exam to determine the extent of the damage.

The Rams (6-8) were held to Greg Zuerlein’s two short field goals and had five three-and-out series in the third quarter. Catanzaro’s 23-yard field goal early in the second quarter ended nine quarters of shutout defense by St. Louis, which beat Washington and Oakland by a combined 76-0 the previous two weeks.

“I thought our defense played well enough for us to win,” coach Jeff Fisher said.

The Rams were eliminated from playoff contention.

Ryan Lindley was ineffective in his first appearance since 2012 in relief of Stanton, who injured his right knee on a sack in the third quarter, but it didn’t matter. The Cardinals lost Carson Palmer to a season-ending knee injury during their 31-14 home victory over St. Louis last month.

Kerwynn Williams was the Cardinals’ offensive standout with 75 yards on 15 carries.

The Cardinals (11-3) entered tied for the top overall record in the NFC and will clinch a playoff spot if Sunday’s Dallas-Philadelphia game doesn’t end in a tie, or a Detroit loss combined with a Green Bay victory.