THE STORY: LOS ANGELES – Trey McBride finally found the end zone, recording 100 receptions and 1,000 yards this season.

But the pass that wasn’t completed was the one the Cardinals wanted back.

Kyler Murray, who was on first-and-goal at the LA 5 with under a minute left, tried to pass it to McBride and the ball was sent into the air – where Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was at the goal line made a diving interception to seal a 13-9 victory for the Rams.

“It felt like we were going to win that game for sure,” Murray said, noting he had the same feeling — and the same tough result — at the end of Green Bay’s infamous Thursday night loss in 2021.

“You’re driving and the defense can’t really stop you. It was just a (expletive) turn of events. Unlucky.”

As Murray said that, he smiled slightly wryly: “What else could go wrong?” It was similar to the look coach Jonathan Gannon had afterward, when Gannon also said he was sure the Cardinals would get a win in the end.

“It burns,” Gannon admitted.

“I know we’re close, man. I know it’s hard to see, and it’s hard to hold your chin. But we will get better because of it.”

The Rams (10-6) can clinch the NFC West via the Strength of Victory tiebreaker if enough of the right teams win this weekend and their game against the Seahawks next week becomes moot. The Rams need three wins at the Bills, Commanders, Browns and Vikings on Sunday and the 49ers on Monday.

The Cardinals (7-9) are in for another frustrating loss, with McBride’s TD being the only one of the game.

McBride’s touchdown – which came on his 98th catch of 2024 – was a one-yard screen behind blocking by fellow tight ends Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman.

“I’m glad we did it, but honestly I don’t really care,” McBride said. “The win means more to me.”

Chad Ryland’s point gain was blocked, leaving the deficit at four points. This point proved crucial as both teams scored field goals in the fourth quarter. Had it been good, the Cardinals would have only needed a field goal to tie the game at the end.

Still, there were opportunities. Murray passed with McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. (six catches, 98 yards) and threw a season-high 48 passes, with James Conner’s knee taking him out of the game. He had 321 passing yards and another 32 rushing yards, but was picked off in the end zone on the Cardinals’ second-to-last possession, a fourth-down heave that ended in an arm punt.

The defense made sure to give the Cardinals another chance. That possession seemed to be paying off until Witherspoon performed heroics. McBride had 12 catches for 123 yards – “Trey has arrived,” Murray said. “He’s hard to stop” — but his 16th goal was the one the Cardinals wanted back.

In tight coverage, McBride’s ball bounced into the air, where Witherspoon was watching while covering Zay Jones. He dove and grabbed it just before it hit the ground.

“It was exactly the look we were looking for,” McBride said. “Exactly what we needed. Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way, and that seemed to be the case today.”

“It’s my fault. I have to take the lead faster. It hit me right in the face. I have to make this play.”

Running back James Conner played despite a right knee injury, but only gained 8 yards on six touches before leaving the game in the first half. Michael Carter did a good job in his place, with 70 yards on 13 carries.

The defense held the Rams to 257 yards rushing while the Cardinals had 396 yards. The problem was that they needed 401.

“You have to score more points than them,” Gannon said. “I’m mad and I’m laughing about it, but that’s the game.”