WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams responded to last week’s disappointing loss in Carolina with a statement performance, rolling past the Arizona Cardinals, 45-17, at State Farm Stadium.
Matthew Stafford continued his MVP-caliber campaign in Week 14, delivering another impressive performance by completing 22 of 31 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns.
Puka Nacua produced his most explosive outing of the 2025 season, hauling in seven receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns as he repeatedly carved up Arizona’s secondary.
While Stafford and Nacua lit up the scoreboard, a new star emerged on the sidelines for Los Angeles.
Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFleur took over the play calling in place of Head Coach Sean McVay, who has battled a sickness in recent days.
McVay’s absence on the headset did not cause any troubles for Los Angeles’ offense, as they walked up and down the field against Arizona to the tune of 530 total yards and six touchdowns.
Los Angeles’ 249 yards on the ground was the most in a single game for the team since the 2018 divisional round win against the Dallas Cowboys.
Mike LaFleur, who arrived in Los Angeles in 2023 as the offensive coordinator, installed and executed his game plan to perfection. His final season in New York was defined by an offense who limped to the finish line with six consecutive losses after starting the season 7-4. It’s a completely different story this year in Los Angeles as the Rams are the No. 1 seed through 14 weeks.
McVay discussed how LaFleur handled the increased workload and stepped up when the team needed it.
“I can’t say enough about it,” McVay said. “Nothing surprised me.”
The 39-year-old head coach expressed his gratitude for LaFleur’s continued effort and talked about his impact on the team.
“It just continued to confirm how fortunate and lucky I am to work with a great coach like Mike,” McVay said. “He’s a great leader and it’s special.”
LaFleur’s prior experience calling plays allowed the offense to run with effectiveness. McVay noted the offensive coordinator’s ability to call plays with efficiency.
“He did a hell of a job getting it in a timely fashion,” McVay said. “It was a really smooth operation.”
LaFleur’s coaching experience dates back to 2014, when he began as an offensive intern with the Cleveland Browns under Mike Pettine. He would spend time with Atlanta, San Francisco and New York before joining McVay’s staff in 2023.
It is unclear if the 38-year-old LaFleur will call the plays in Week 15 against the Detroit Lions.
LaFleur is expected to be one of the most sought-after candidates for teams in need of a head coach in 2026.