Analyst Questions Late Penalty in Cardinals' Upset of Rams
A personal foul on Rams cornerback Josh Wallace helped Arizona reach position for Chad Ryland's 43-yard field goal as time expired in an 18-16 Cardinals win. FOX Sports rules analyst Mike Pereira said he did not think the unnecessary roughness penalty should have been called, and Olsen agreed after Jalen Brooks landed on Wallace's shoulder. Arizona won as a 12.5-point underdog, while Los Angeles dropped to 2-4.
The disputed flag came after Arizona's Jalen Brooks hauled in a 21-yard throw from Jacoby Brissett and came down on the shoulder of Rams corner Josh Wallace. The resulting unnecessary roughness call advanced Arizona 36 yards on the first snap of its last series, putting the ball at Los Angeles' 29 with 41 seconds remaining.
Arizona then gained five yards on a run before Chad Ryland hit a 43-yard field goal at the horn—his sixth of the game—for an 18-16 victory. The Cardinals, 12.5-point underdogs, earned their second win and first NFC West win since 2024; the Rams fell to 2-4 before a Week 7 trip to Las Vegas.
The disputed call may intensify scrutiny of NFL officiating and replay rules, affecting fans, bettors, and the Cardinals/Rams organizations. A late penalty in a close upset could shape perceptions of fairness, especially for Los Angeles supporters, while Arizona's win may boost morale. Because officiating decisions can influence outcomes and betting markets, leagues may face calls for clearer standards, though one call is unlikely to change broader policy.