Rams Lose to Cardinals as McVay Cites Costly Mistakes

The Los Angeles Rams lost 18-16 to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, extending a run of damaging mistakes that coach Sean McVay said the team must correct. Arizona scored six field goals and no touchdowns, while the defeat left the Rams at 2-4, according to game reports. McVay said the Rams would not win unless they stopped beating themselves. He pointed to errors on offense and special teams, including a costly kickoff return and the loss of kicker Blake Grupe, who was injured while covering the play. McVay said the team had to examine its performance and improve. Grupe had joined the Rams after they released Harrison Mevis following the previous week’s overtime loss to Buffalo. He made a 44-yard field goal against Arizona before getting hurt on the ensuing kickoff. Punter Ethan Evans took over kicking duties and made a late extra point, but Arizona moved into position for a game-winning field goal as time expired. The Rams’ offense struggled to build momentum, and McVay cited turnovers, negative plays and penalties among the problems. One game report said Los Angeles gained 286 yards and failed on both fourth-down attempts. The team also struggled to protect its quarterback...