Regular season finale marks the end of a forgetful season for the Cardinals

LOS ANGELES (KYMA) - The Arizona Cardinals closed out their season on the road in Los Angeles with significant draft implications at stake.

Entering the finale, the Cardinals still had a mathematical chance to climb as high as the second overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft with a loss and some help in other games.

Despite the circumstances, the Cardinals competed aggressively and showed little interest in quietly sliding down the standings.

With the game tied at 6-6, Los Angeles struck big, as Puka Nacua hauled in an impressive touchdown reception, his ninth score of the season.

Arizona responded by converting a fake punt on fourth down before Jacoby Brissett delivered a deep strike to Michael Wilson for a 43-yard touchdown that kept the Cardinals within reach.

Momentum briefly swung in Arizona's favor when the offense took the field again and delivered a go-ahead score. Third-string tight end Josiah Deguara was the one to find the end zone for Arizona.

Ultimately, Los Angeles reasserted control behind Stafford’s steady play. He connected with Colby Parkinson for a touchdown to regain the lead, then followed it up with another scoring pass to Tyler Higbee on a corner route to put the game out of reach.

The Rams' offense proved too much down the stretch, and Arizona was unable to mount a final response.

The loss marked the Cardinals' ninth straight defeat, the longest losing streak by any team to close the season this year, and sealed a 3-14 record. With the result combined with a win by the New York Giants, Arizona secured the third overall pick in the upcoming draft.

The Cardinals are in a terrific position to add a foundational, blue-chip talent as they turn the page toward the offseason and the future of the franchise.