Odell Beckham Jr. Earns $500K Contract Incentive with Rams’ Playoff Win vs. Cardinals
Jan 18, 2022
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. celebrates against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Inglewood, Calif., Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Odell Beckham Jr. continued his resurgence in Monday's 34-11 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Wild Card Round at SoFi Stadium, and his performance did more than help the Los Angeles Rams reach the divisional round.
With the win, Beckham receives a $500,000 incentive bonus, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s big night is helping the Rams and his own wallet: OBJ earns a $500K incentive with a win tonight…
The 29-year-old finished with four catches for 54 yards and one touchdown and also completed a pass for 40 yards. He is the first player in NFL postseason history to have a 30-yard reception and at least a 30-yard completion in the same game, per ESPN Stats & Info.
Beckham signed a one-year deal with the Rams in November after being released by the Cleveland Browns. The deal is worth up to $4.25 million and includes up to $3 million in incentives.
The three-time Pro Bowler was placed on waivers by the Browns after his father, Odell Beckham Sr., posted a video on Instagram highlighting times when quarterback Baker Mayfield either didn't throw the ball to his son when he was wide open or missed him completely.
Beckham reportedly never reached out to Mayfield to apologize for the post, which only accelerated his exit from Cleveland.
Though he never found much success in Northern Ohio, he certainly has found his footing in Los Angeles.
Beckham recorded 27 catches for 305 yards and five touchdowns in eight regular-season games with the Rams.
He wasn't initially expected to have a significant impact in Sean McVay's lineup, but Robert Woods' torn ACL opened the door for the veteran.
Based on his rejuventaed play, Beckham should see some significant contract offers once he hits free agency. But for now, his focus will be on helping the Rams defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the divisional round.
Cardinals' Budda Baker Taken to Hospital after Suffering Concussion vs. Rams
Jan 18, 2022
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker drops into pass coverage during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Arizona Cardinals free safety Budda Baker was taken to the hospital for further evaluation after suffering a concussion in the NFC Wild Card Game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Cardinals SVP of Media Relations Mark Dalton provided the update, saying Baker was alert and communicative and never lost movement or feeling in his extremities.
Baker was stretchered off the field after a collision with Rams running back Cam Akers.
Baker was seen raising his right arm as he was taken off the field.
Arizona coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters after the game, which the Rams won 34-11, that he had received "positive news" about Baker's status.
"He had feeling and everything, he's at the hospital being examined now," Kingsbury said, per Grant Gordon of NFL.com.
Akers, who was on the opposite end of the collision, took to social media after the game to send his best wishes to Baker, noting he was not initially aware that the Cardinals safety had been injured on the play:
Prays up to Budda 🙏🏾 . I didn’t know he was hurt after the play but I have nothing but respect for him .
During the 2021 campaign, Baker put up 98 total tackles and three interceptions.
Despite already having a strong secondary, the Cardinals jumped at the chance to select Baker with the No. 36 overall pick in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Baker was viewed as a borderline first-round prospect after putting together three consecutive productive seasons at the collegiate level for the Washington Huskies.
He appeared in all 16 games for the Cards as a rookie, making seven starts.
Baker finished his debut season with 58 tackles, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one sack en route to a Pro Bowl nod. After a solid debut, Baker took a big step forward in 2018 and finished with 102 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
Baker's quick ascent continued last season, as he recorded 147 tackles, six passes defended, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Baker was rewarded with his second career Pro Bowl selection for his efforts.
He followed that up with another big year in 2020, racking up 118 tackles, two interceptions, two sacks and six passes defended en route to his third Pro Bowl and second First Team All-Pro selection.
His status as a do-everything guy worked well for the Cardinals since they have brought in several similar players on the defensive side of the ball in recent years.
Chief among them is Tyrann Mathieu, who has played for the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs since getting released by the Cards.
The year after selecting Mathieu, the Cardinals drafted Deone Bucannon as a safety. They converted him to linebacker, and he developed into one of the team's most vital players before parting ways with the organization.
Arizona chose Baker in hopes he'd become a movable chess piece on the defense as well, but the team may need to put his progression on hold.
Baker's potential absence looms large due to a lack of proven options in backup roles. Jalen Thompson will continue as the starting strong safety, while Deionte Thompson, Chris Banjo and rookie seventh-round pick James Wiggins are the likeliest candidates to replace Baker.
J.J. Watt Activated off IR by Cardinals Ahead of 2022 NFL Playoff Game vs. Rams
Jan 17, 2022
Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (99)during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The Arizona Cardinals announced defensive end J.J. Watt was activated from injured reserve and moved to the active roster ahead of Monday's Wild Card Round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Watt was also not among the team's inactives and will be in uniform Monday night.
Watt appeared in just seven games during the 2021 regular season because of a shoulder injury, though Arizona designated him to return from injured reserve heading into the playoffs.
Though he surely wasn't looking for this type of season to be his first with a team outside the Houston Texans, there is no questioning Watt's status as one of the best players of his generation when he is healthy and on the field.
His resume includes three Defensive Player of the Year Awards, five All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl nods and a Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
The Wisconsin product had 16 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in seven games in 2021.
The Cardinals still made the playoffs even though he was sidelined for extended stretches, but their defense is more formidable when he is on the field. Now he will have a chance to help them in the postseason as he looks to add a Super Bowl trophy to his list of accomplishments.
Report: J.J. Watt 'Trending Toward' Return from Injury for Cardinals vs. Rams
Jan 14, 2022
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 24: J.J. Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after recording a sack in the second quarter against the Houston Texans in the game at State Farm Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt is reportedly "trending toward" playing in Monday night's Wild Card Round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Friday that Watt's practice session Thursday went "very well" and noted he's dealing with "no issues at all" following his quick return from arm and shoulder injuries.
Watt, 32, was having a solid 2021 campaign for the Cardinals when his season appeared to come to an end in late October as he required surgery for a litany of arm injuries:
#AZCardinals DE JJ Watt suffered a dislocated shoulder and other associated damage from Sunday, sources say, and he’ll have surgery mid-next week to repair it. Watt did the damage attempting to tackle #Texans QB Davis Mills along the sideline, but played several more plays. pic.twitter.com/iKmfrA8eeV
How serious does an injury have to be to sideline #AZCardinals DE JJ Watt? Sources say he actual tore his labrum, his bicep, and his rotator cuff — and dislocated his shoulder. Watt was playing some of his best football and helped change the culture for the undefeated AZ team.
It was the fourth time in the past six years that a major injury cost Watt at least half the season. He played just three games in 2016, five games in 2017 and eight games in 2019 with a slew of knocks.
Watt has been one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro selection has two seasons with 20 or more sacks and five seasons with 10 or more sacks, which are ridiculous numbers for an interior rusher.
Outside of Aaron Donald, no interior lineman had the impact of Watt in his prime, at least in recent memory.
Much as he did in 2019, Watt attempted to make a return for the playoffs this year after missing a huge chunk of the regular season.
He's one step closer to making that reality, which would provide a major boost to the Arizona defense Monday night.
Dolphins Rumors: Cowboys' Kellen Moore, Cardinals' Vance Joseph Eyed for Interviews
Jan 11, 2022
Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly eyeing a familiar face in their ongoing head coaching search.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported that the Dolphins have put in a request to interview Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Joseph previously served as Miami's defensive coordinator during the 2016 season.
But that's not all. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Dolphins have also requested to interview Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is a popular candidate in this offseason's hiring cycle.
The Dolphins surprisingly fired Brian Flores on Monday despite the fact that he coached the team to a 9-8 finish after starting the season 1-7. This was Flores' second consecutive year finishing above .500, and he leaves Miami with a career record of 24-25.
Joseph has been Arizona's DC since 2019. Prior to that, he was hired as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2017, becoming just the second African American head coach in the team's history. Joseph had a combined record of 11-21 in two seasons before he was fired at the end of the 2018 campaign.
Under Joseph's guidance this season, the Cardinals ranked 11th in total defense and scoring defense after allowing averages of 329.2 yards and 21.5 points per game. Arizona finished the season 11-6 and will face the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card Game on Monday night.
Moore is considered to be one of the hottest young coaching prospects in the NFL right now. The 33-year-old coached the Cowboys offense to a No. 1 ranking in the league this season. Dallas also had the top-ranked offense in the league during Moore's first year as offensive coordinator in 2019.
The Cowboys led the NFL with 407.0 yards and 31.2 points per game in 2021. They went 12-5 this year and will take on the San Francisco 49ers in a wild-card game Sunday.
Kyler Murray, Cardinals Clinch 1st Playoff Berth Since 2015 as Rams Beat Vikings
Dec 26, 2021
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
The Arizona Cardinals clinched a playoff berth Sunday thanks to the Los Angeles Rams' 30-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
It is their first postseason appearance since the 2015 season, when they lost in the NFC championship to the Carolina Panthers.
This season continues a steady progression for Arizona under third-year head coach Kliff Kingsbury. The Cardinals went 5-10-1 in his first season and improved to 8-8 in 2020. Arizona opened this year with seven straight wins and currently sits in second place in the NFC West at 10-5.
Star quarterback Kyler Murray has led the way for the Cardinals.
Through 12 games, the 24-year-old has thrown for 3,284 yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.He missed three games after suffering a sprained ankle against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, which was Arizona's first loss of the season.
As strong as the season started for Arizona, the Cardinals—who have lost three in a row—trail the Rams in the division by one game. Arizona still has games against the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks remaining.
Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury Call Out Cardinals After Loss to Colts on Christmas Day
Dec 26, 2021
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 25: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals scrambles away from Kwity Paye #51 of the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Saturday's 22-16 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts was the third straight loss for the Arizona Cardinals, and quarterback Kyler Murray and head coach Kliff Kingsbury were not happy about it.
"We feel it; you see it," quarterback Kyler Murray said, referencing the team's 11 penalties and Matt Prater's two missed field goals and a missed extra point. "It's just good teams don't do that, and we weren't doing that early on in the season, and now you see, it's killing us in crucial moments where we're just not scoring touchdowns because of it, or vice versa, on the other side of the ball. As a collective group, offensively and defensively, like it's just mental mistakes that you just can't keep making if we want to win these games that we know we're supposed to be winning. I mean, it's bad football."
Kingsbury added that the Cardinals "continue to find ways to lose critical situations and penalties and things of that nature" and added that "we got to get it turned around somewhere."
The Cardinals looked like the best team in football after starting the season 7-0. But five losses in their last eight games have dropped them to 10-5 and from atop both the NFC and their division to the No. 5 overall seed, which would be as a wild-card berth.
Here’s what the NFC standings look like at the moment. Cardinals have fallen behind the Rams in the NFC West. (But, with some help, they can clinch a playoff spot tomorrow regardless.) pic.twitter.com/2prdiWlkGT
They find themselves chasing the Los Angeles Rams (10-4) in the NFC West, though the Cardinals can still clinch a playoff berth Sunday with a loss from any of the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles or Minnesota Vikings, all 7-7.
The Vikings play the Rams and the Eagles face the New York Giants (4-10) on Sunday, while the Saints take on the Miami Dolphins (7-7) on Monday.
"All you gotta do is get in," Murray told reporters. "That's all you got to do. But, at the end of the day, we don't want to get in playing the way we're playing. We want to go in playing and feeling good about ourselves and what we're doing. The thing about it is it's fixable."
The Cardinals will have the chance to turn things around with tough games against the Dallas Cowboys (10-4) on the road and Seattle Seahawks (5-9) at home to close the season. The Cowboys are gunning for the top overall seed in the NFC. The Seahawks are a divisional rival, and hardly a gimme.
With a losing streak comes consternation and doubt from outside the locker room. But running back Chase Edmonds said the Cardinals need to "ignore the noise."
"We don't need that right now," he added. "We can't afford that right now."
No, they can't.
Carson Wentz, Jonathan Taylor Lead Colts Past Kyler Murray, Cardinals on Christmas
Dec 26, 2021
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz (2) looks to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Indianapolis Colts extended their winning streak to three games with a 22-16 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night at State Farm Stadium. They are now 9-6.
Indy hadn't beaten Arizona since 2009. Before Saturday, the Colts and Cardinals last met in 2017, a game Arizona won 16-13 in overtime. Indianapolis has won six of its last seven games and is still in contention for the AFC South title.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, dropped to 10-5 and have lost three of their last five games following an impressive 7-0 start.
Notable Stats
Carson Wentz, QB, IND: 18/28 for 225 YDS, 2 TD
Kyler Murray, QB, ARI: 27/43 for 245 YDS, 1 TD
Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND: 27 CAR for 108 YDS
Chase Edmonds, RB, ARI: 16 CAR for 56 YDS, 1 TD
T.Y. Hilton, WR, IND: 4 REC for 51 YDS, 1 TD
Zach Ertz, TE, ARI: 8 REC for 54 YDS
Colts Rely Heavily on Jonathan Taylor, But Carson Wentz Prevails
Sure, Taylor will likely be an MVP candidate, but the Colts relied on the star running back far too much against the Cardinals. The Arizona defense mostly contained Taylor and held him scoreless for the first time since Week 3.
Taylor finished with 27 carries for 108 yards. For comparison, Wentz attempted 28 passes, which highlights how much the Colts continue to rely on Taylor.
The 22-year-old has been a focal point of the Colts' offense all season and entered Saturday's contest with two straight 100-plus rushing yard games. He recorded his ninth game of 2021 with at least 100 yards and a score on the ground against Arizona.
But while the Colts did rely heavily on Taylor against the Cardinals, Wentz and his receivers got the job done when it mattered most. Maybe it's a sign Frank Reich can turn to his passing game more often.
Wentz completed 18-of-28 passes for 225 yards and two scores, including a late touchdown pass to Dezmon Patmon, which sealed the win for Indianapolis.
The Colts entered Saturday's game with the 22nd-ranked passing offense, averaging 204.4 yards per game, per Pro Football Reference. Wentz and Co. surpassed that mark against Arizona in one of Indy's more well-rounded games of the season.
Saturday's win was even more impressive as the Colts were down several starters, including three offensive linemen in All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson, Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly and right guard Mark Glowinski.
Kyler Murray Delivers Another Underwhelming Performance
Murray struggled for the third consecutive game, and while he didn't throw any picks, he completed just 27-of-43 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown, in addition to running for 74 yards.
Murray led the Cardinals to a 7-1 record before suffering an ankle injury and missing three games. He has not been the same player since returning from that injury in Week 13.
From Weeks 1-8, the 24-year-old completed 72.6 percent of his passes for 2,276 yards and 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions, in addition to rushing for 147 yards and three scores. He had a 110.4 quarterback rating through the first eight weeks of the season, per Pro Football Reference.
From Weeks 13-15, Murray saw a dip in production as he completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 763 yards and three touchdowns against three interceptions. He also ran for 123 yards and two scores and had an 82.4 quarterback rating.
Put those numbers together with his performance on Saturday night against the Colts, and things don't look great for the Cardinals.
However, it should be noted Arizona was without two of its top receivers in DeAndre Hopkins (knee, IR) and Rondale Moore (ankle) because of injuries. Hopkins leads the team with eight touchdowns, while Moore has served as a key supplemental piece to the team's top trio of Hopkins, Christian Kirk and A.J. Green.
What's Next?
The Cardinals will travel to face the Dallas Cowboys on Jan. 2, while the Colts will host the Las Vegas Raiders.
Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers is congratulated by Allen Lazard after throwing career touchdown pass 443 during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. The pass breaks the previous Green Bay Packers record held by Brett Favre. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Saturday's interconference matchups were sure to have ramifications on the NFL playoff race.
After the Green Bay Packers won against the Cleveland Browns and the Arizona Cardinals fell to the Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay is the frontrunner for the first-round bye in the NFC. The Colts have now entrenched themselves in the AFC Wild Card race and are still in play for a potential division title.
Here's a look at how the standings were affected by the Christmas Day games.
AFC
1. Kansas City Chiefs, 10-4
2. Tennessee Titans, 10-5
3. New England Patriots, 9-5
4. Indianapolis Colts, 9-6
5. Cincinnati Bengals, 8-6
6. Los Angeles Chargers, 8-6
7. Buffalo Bills, 8-6
8. Baltimore Ravens, 8-6
9. Pittsburgh Steelers, 7-6-1
10. Las Vegas Raiders, 7-7
11. Miami Dolphins, 7-7
12. Denver Broncos, 7-7
13. Cleveland Browns, 7-8
14. New York Jets, 3-11
15. Houston Texans, 3-11
16. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2-12
NFC
1. Green Bay Packers, 12-3
2. Dallas Cowboys, 10-4
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10-4
4. Los Angeles Rams, 10-4
5. Arizona Cardinals, 10-5
6. San Francisco 49ers, 8-7
7. Minnesota Vikings, 7-7
8. Philadelphia Eagles, 7-7
9. New Orleans Saints, 7-7
10. Washington Football Team, 6-8
11. Atlanta Falcons, 6-8
12. Carolina Panthers, 5-9
13. Seattle Seahawks, 5-9
14. New York Giants, 4-10
15. Chicago Bears, 4-10
16. Detroit Lions, 2-11-1
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero shared different playoff clinching scenarios on Thursday morning.
Arizona could have clinched a playoff berth with a win. The Cardinals can still earn a trip to the postseason in Week 16 thanks to the San Francisco 49ers' loss on Thursday night. A loss or tie by either the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings or New Orleans Saints will give the Cardinals their first playoff appearance since 2015.
The Colts' win means the Tennessee Titans will have to wait another week to try to clinch the AFC South.
With Saturday's victory, the Packers now have the inside track on securing the first-round bye in the NFC. Green Bay will maintain at least a one-game lead over the Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams regardless of each team's result this week.
The Rams and Kansas City Chiefs are the only teams that clinch a playoff spot simply by winning. The Buccaneers can win the NFC South with a win or a loss by the Saints.
The way things are shaping up, it looks as though the NFC playoff race will come down to the regular season's final weeks.
James Conner Won't Play for Cardinals vs. Colts Because of Heel Injury
Dec 25, 2021
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 13 Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner #6 runs away from Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Leonard Floyd #54 during the Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals game on December 13, 2021, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner was expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night despite battling a heel injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
But the team listed him as inactive ahead of the matchup.
Cardinals’ RB James Conner is inactive tonight. One Cardinals official who said earlier today that he expected Conner to play tonight texted, “he didn’t progress enough.”
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Thursday that Conner would be a game-time decision after he didn't practice throughout the week.
Conner has been a revelation for the Cardinals—and for the fantasy players who were savvy enough to pick him up—this season, rushing for 700 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 31 catches for 334 yards and another two scores in 14 games.
In PPR leagues, he's ranked as the No. 6 running back in all of fantasy and was also selected to the Pro Bowl. Not too shabby for a player many people believed would serve as Chase Edmonds' backup this year.
James Conner on making the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career:
"Just a story of hard work, faith, and opportunity. I couldn't have done it without Mr. Bidwill, Steve Keim, Kliff Kingsbury, and all my teammates."
"The work ethic, the focus he's had, the unselfishness, he's done whatever we've asked full speed every day," Kingsbury told reporters Thursday. "For a guy like that to get that type of (Pro Bowl) recognition, it's huge. That's what he wanted to do, prove to people what type of player he is, and he was able to do that. You have to cheer for a guy like that."
Fantasy players will now turn to Chase Edmonds, though caution is advised. The Colts defense is stingy, with running backs averaging just 17.6 fantasy points per week against them, the fourth fewest in the NFL, per Yahoo Sports.
They've given up just seven total touchdowns to opposing running backs all season long. Don't expect this defense to be in the giving mood on Christmas.
Consider Edmonds a flex option. But if you have other quality options at running back or in your flex, this might be the week to use them.
