DIVE IN STYLE: Leading swimwear specialist Arena has partnered with Swedish former Olympic swimmer Therese Alshammar on a capsule collection of swimsuits. The range of four pieces combine high-performance features courtesy of a partnership with Italian fabrics’ company Eurojersey, a longtime partner of Arena.
The capsule is part of the brand’s fall offering, named Body Lift, made of 100 percent of Eurojersey’s innovative fabric Sensitive FIT. The fabric is equipped with body-sculpting and shaping features to enhance comfort and it employs 32 percent of the patented Lycra Xtra Life fiber for higher resistance to chlorine, sunscreen lotions and heat. Lycra marks its 60th anniversary this year.
“This collaboration proves the difference between the supplier-client relationship and a real partnership…we’re not only combining our products but also merging development and marketing strategies, as well as sharing the companies’ values,” said Andrea Crespi, chief executive officer of Eurojersey, who also serves as the president of Sistema Moda Italia’s sustainable committee. “We often forget that what really matters is the product’s value also considering that today we need to be fully sustainable, meaning we have to sell value, in the form of a well-made product meant to last forever and deliver the notion that this
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Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-0 during a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley enters the field prior to a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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A fan wears a Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay t-shirt prior to a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods (17) huddles with teammates prior to a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
NFL footballs prior to a NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead prior to a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams cheers in the first half of a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Aqib Talib (21) knocks a pass away intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay holds his notes to his face against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) passes against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a touchdown past Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson (21) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (18) catches a pass for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass fora first down over Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman (23) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a first down as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Jamar Taylor (28) makes the tackle in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam (50) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) along with teammate defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) in the first half of a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Sam Shields (37) reacts with teammate linebacker Bryce Hager (54) after intercepting a Arizona Cardinals pass in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) celebrates with quarterback Jared Goff (16) after catching a pass for touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown (34) is knocked out of bounds by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Antoine Bethea (41) after running for a first down in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff looks toward the scoreboard during a review of a play against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods smile as they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-0 during a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald with his kids after defeating the Arizona Cardinals 34-0 during a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Former Los Angeles Rams and Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood waves to the crowd in the first half of a NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
USC was lined up in the I-formation, a yard shy of the end zone, when it ran a toss sweep for running back Stephen Carr.
It did not harken to the student-body right offenses of past teams.
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After Carr received the pitch, he faced little open space. Surrounded by three Texas defenders, he was left to run parallel to the line scrimmage and attempted to turn the corner toward the end-zone pylon before he was stuffed for a loss of 2 yards.
The failed fourth-down attempt cost the Trojans a potential touchdown late in the second quarter of their 37-14 loss at Texas on Saturday night. The run was also emblematic of a ground game that has seen continued early-season struggles.
The Trojans finished with minus-5 rushing yards against the Longhorns, marking their lowest in a game since they were held to minus-20 yards in a loss to Arizona in 1999. Through three weeks, they rank 117th among the 130 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision in rush offense.
Coach Clay Helton attributed USC’s latest rushing troubles to movement and zone pressure from Texas’ defense that made it difficult to clear holes for its running backs.
“During the week we had showed a good picture to be able to pick it up,” Helton said, “but it didn’t happen as well as we wanted during the game.”
Among USC’s three running backs, Aca’Cedric Ware, Vavae Malepeai and Carr, they rushed for a combined 24 yards on 12 carries. The results were dismal. On six occasions, they were stuffed behind the line of scrimmage or limited to no gain. They totaled a combined 1 yard on 11 carries outside of Carr’s 23-yard touchdown run on the opening drive.
The run troubles had a sort of cascading effect on the rest of the offense too. Freshman quarterback JT Daniels was left to throw a career-high 48 passes in his third start, finishing with 322 passing yards and an interception. The Trojans attempted to mount a comeback as they were outscored 34-0 over the final three quarters.
The Trojans ran the ball less often than in any previous game under Helton and offensive coordinator Tee Martin. Only 16 of their 64 total plays (25 percent) against Texas were runs. Only in three other games had they run less than 40 percent of the time.
“In Tee’s defense, you’re looking there, not having success in that area, and all of a sudden the pass is working,” Helton said. “He leaned on it. The ball was moving. All of a sudden, we get a little bit behind and you’re forced to move the ball.”
Helton cited the over-reliance on the passing game, due to a limited running game, as a concern with a matchup against Washington State looming for Friday night.
“We always want to be more balanced,” Helton said. “Sometimes the game dictates, especially when you’re behind and trying to catch up that more passes are going to be called. That’s going to dictate the numbers sometimes. In an ideal world, we’d love to be 50-50.”
Helton said, “We’re usually at our best when we’re a balanced offense.”
MCGRATH OUT FOR SEASON
Sophomore kicker Chase McGrath will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, Helton said Sunday.
McGrath suffered the tear during the third quarter of USC’s loss to Texas when his 50-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
After the kick was recovered by Texas’ Anthony Wheeler, who returned it for a touchdown, McGrath followed him along the sideline in an attempt to make a tackle, but fell after a hit and injured his right knee.
Without McGrath, third-year sophomore Michael Brown will take over kicking duties.
Helton said he was “very confident” with Brown, who returned to training camp after recovering from season-ending surgery for a torn ACL that was suffered last fall.
“I was very proud for him, coming off a major knee surgery, especially as a kicker, and what he was able to do in camp,” Helton said. “He really pushed Chase.”
McGrath made six of eight field-goal attempts this season, including five in a season-opening win over UNLV. His two misses were on attempts from 50 or more yards.
As he was injured in the fourth game, McGrath will be able to redshirt this season.
QUICK HITS
Several of USC’s players suffered injuries against Texas, including defensive lineman Malik Dorton (quad contusion), linebacker John Houston (wrist) and right guard Andrew Vorhees (knee sprain). Helton said they will be monitored during the week. … Seniors Reid Budrovich and Chris Tilbey, who each punted at Texas, will be evaluated in practices by special teams coach John Baxter to see who is “most effective” for Washington State, Helton said. … USC opened as a 4.5-point favorite against Washington State.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ross Stripling (68) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
St. Louis Cardinals’ Yairo Munoz runs for home to score on a single hit by teammate Jedd Gyorko during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
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Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joc Pederson to end the top of the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers’ Joc Pederson to end the top of the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) reacts after pitching a ball during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
St. Louis Cardinals’ Marcell Ozuna (23) runs for home after a ball hit by teammate Yadier Molina gets past Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner (10) during the sixth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kenta Maeda (18) walks back to the mound during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) sits in the dugout after pitching during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Tim Locastro scores on a David Freese (not pictured) double against the New York Mets in the seventh inning of a Major League Baseball game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, Sept. 04, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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ST. LOUIS – The exchange rate on frequent-flier miles is not great.
The Dodgers left Los Angeles 10 days ago, trailing the Colorado Rockies by 1-1/2 games in the National League West. They went to three cities, traveled nearly 4,000 miles and won key series in Colorado and St. Louis.
And gained one game in the standings for all that.
The Dodgers dropped out of first place Sunday night, managing only four hits in a 5-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals after the Rockies won their afternoon game in San Francisco.
They return home for another showdown series in Los Angeles with the Rockies, trailing them by a half-game with 12 games to play.
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“To win a series here against a good club over there, we did what we wanted to accomplish,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We’re a half-game back now of the Rockies. We’ve got those guys at home. So we’re excited about that. Our ‘pen is lined up. We’ve got Ryu, Clayton and Walker going. So we’re in good shape.”
The National League West race has been fought in a phone booth. Three different teams have led the division but no one team has had a lead greater than 1-1/2 games since July 1 (when the Diamondbacks ended the day leading the Dodgers by 2-1/2). This is the seventh time in 16 days this month the Dodgers are either up or down a half-game in the standings.
“I feel destiny is in our hands, sort of,” Dodgers starter Ross Stripling said. “We head home and take of our business against the Rockies, we’ll be in good shape.”
The momentum was all theirs after a 17-4 rout Saturday gave them a four-game winning streak. But it was turn-back-the-clock night at Busch Stadium on Sunday.
The Cardinals one-time ace, Adam Wainwright, has spent most of this season on the sidelines, dealing with an elbow injury. Sunday was only the sixth start of what could be the 37-year-old Wainwright’s final season. But it was vintage Wainwright.
“He’s a big-game pitcher,” Roberts said. “You gotta expect his best and that’s what he brought. You saw his emotion. He knew how much that club needed that lift, that start. To see him execute like that – I’ve seen it for many years.”
Wainwright’s curveball was one of baseball’s best pitches during his prime. It was again Sunday. He shut down a Dodgers’ offense that had scored 53 runs in the previous seven games (29 in the three wins over the Cardinals), giving up only two hits and walking two in six scoreless innings. Wainwright struck out nine. Only Justin Turner, who doubled down the right-field line in the first inning, made it past first base in the first six innings.
“The curveball has always been his pitch. He was spotting it where he wanted to put it,” Cody Bellinger said. “Uncle Charlie — it’s so big and slow. You see it and you swing and it’s not there.
“It’s an unusual curveball. That’s the word I would use. Most curveballs are firm and don’t break as big.”
Things were plenty firm in the seventh inning. The Dodgers’ best chance to break through came when Bud Norris walked the first batter he faced then left with a blister. Flame-throwing reliever Jordan Hicks came in and walked Bellinger.
Touching 104 mph on the radar gun, though, Hicks retired six of the next seven Dodgers, three on strikeouts – one on a called third strike to Manny Machado who beefed with home-plate umpire Eric Cooper to no end.
“That was the one chance we had,” Roberts said. “But that’s a tough at-bat. Left-handed, right-handed – you don’t see 104 very often. He was sitting at 100. That’s tough to square up.”
The Dodgers failed to hit a home run for the first time since Aug, 20. The 23-game homer streak was the longest in Los Angeles history (one short of the franchise record set in Brooklyn in 1953) and the longest in the majors this season.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam (50) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) along with teammate defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) in the first half of a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam (50) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) along with teammate defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) in the first half of a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks with quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Aqib Talib (21) knocks a pass away intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass fora first down against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for yardage against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) catches a pass fora first down over Los Angeles Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman (23) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a first down as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Jamar Taylor (28) makes the tackle in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) is sacked in the first half of a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for yardage against he Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (18) catches a pass for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (18) catches a pass for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a touchdown past Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson (21) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) passes against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams’ JoJo Natson (19) runs a punt back for yardage against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Aqib Talib (21) knocks a pass away intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams cheers in the first half of a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) runs for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley (30) celebrates after running for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald with his kids after defeating the Arizona Cardinals 34-0 during a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods smile as they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 34-0 during a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Sam Shields reacts intercepting a Arizona Cardinals pass] in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff looks toward the scoreboard during a review of a play against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams running back Malcolm Brown (34) is knocked out of bounds by Arizona Cardinals defensive back Antoine Bethea (41) after running for a first down in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) is tackled for a loss of yards by the Los Angeles Rams defense in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (89) celebrates with quarterback Jared Goff (16) after catching a pass for touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam (50) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Sam Bradford (9) along with teammate defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) in the first half of a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Sam Shields (37) reacts with teammate linebacker Bryce Hager (54) after intercepting a Arizona Cardinals pass in the second half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Rams won 34-0. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams defensive back Aqib Talib (21) knocks a pass away intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for yardage against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs for yardage against he Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a NFL football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, September 16, 2018 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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LOS ANGELES — For his next trick, Johnny Hekker will run off-tackle, or perhaps blitz.
Hekker kicked a field goal and an extra point in an NFL game on Sunday, nearly six years to the day he threw a touchdown pass. It should be noted that Hekker is the Rams’ punter.
Don’t get bogged down in details. Two years ago, when the Rams were awful, Hekker might have been their MVP. The Rams are past that now, but Hekker remains a star. On Sunday, he filled in at kicker when Greg Zuerlein suffered a groin injury, and the team proceeded as usual.
“I don’t think anyone flinched,” quarterback Jared Goff said. “We love Greg and we need him out there and want him back as soon as possible, but stuff like that may happen, and we didn’t flinch.”
Hekker, a four-time All-Pro punter, said he had not attempted a field goal in a game since 2007, when he played for Bothell High, near Seattle. Hekker doesn’t even practice field goals with the Rams, but he stepped in against Arizona and made a 20-yard field goal and a 33-yard extra point.
“A little nerve-wracking,” Hekker said, “but I’ve watched the best kicker in the NFL, week in and week out, watching Greg Zuerlein practice. I just tried to emulate him as best I could.”
Hekker also handled kickoffs and sent two of the five deep into the end zone for touchbacks, but it’s highly unlikely that Hekker will retain the job.
Coach Sean McVay said after the game that he didn’t know how long Zuerlein might be out, but that the Rams could turn back to Sam Ficken, a kicker they cut at the end of the preseason. Ficken filled in for Zuerlein late last season, after Zuerlein underwent back surgery, and showed increased confidence.
After a rough start last December, Ficken made 4 of 5 field-goal attempts and 5 of 6 extra-point attempts. When the Rams rested Zuerlein in this year’s preseason, Ficken looked solid, as he made both of his field-goal attempts (34 and 32 yards) and both of his extra-point attempts.
“He came in, did a nice job,” McVay said of Ficken.
Either way, at least the Rams will have time to prepare for next week’s game. Not until the end of warmups did they learn that Zuerlein had suffered an injury, so there was no time for practice, either for Hekker or for Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, who replaced Hekker as the holder on kicks.
Hekker threw his touchdown pass in 2012 as a holder for Zuerlein. On Sunday, Hekker easily made both kick attempts, and had a deadpan answer ready when asked if he knew his range on field goals.
“Unlimited,” Hekker said. “I haven’t missed yet, so I guess we’ll find out.”
COOKIN’ WITH BRANDIN
In just his second game with the Rams, receiver Brandin Cooks caught seven passes for 159 yards and showed a great connection with quarterback Jared Goff on different types of routes.
That was the third-highest receiving-yard total of Cooks’ career — he was a rookie in 2014 — and he seems to like facing Arizona. In Dec. 2016, Cooks had a career-high 186 yards against the Cardinals.
“I’m extremely blessed, first of all, to play this game, to have such an amazing team,” Cooks said. “There’s no doubt about it. I couldn’t do it without them. I was excited about today. Any time you can come out here, first home game, and do what you do as a whole squad, you’re excited about it.”
Goff and Cooks nearly connected on a couple pf deep passes in last Monday’s victory over Oakland, and they hit on the Rams’ first play of the third quarter Sunday. The Rams went play-action, and Goff hit Cooks for a 57-yard pass.
“We’ve been connecting on a lot of stuff in practice,” Goff said. “Today, I kind of felt that rhythm start to happen, with some of those deep things, the stuff across the field where he’s able to make those plays with his speed and how good he is with his hands. He did a great job. I felt really comfortable with him, as well as with all the receivers. They complement each other so well.”
SUPER SUB
JoJo Natson replaced Pharoh Cooper as the Rams’ return specialist and thrived. Natson returned six punts for a total of 133 yards, which included a 60-yard second-quarter return that nearly was a touchdown. Natson also returned a kickoff for 22 yards to start the game.
The Rams signed Natson on Tuesday, a day after Cooper, their All-Pro returner, suffered a significant ankle injury that likely will sideline him for several more weeks. Natson had a strong preseason with the Rams but got cut when it ended.
“I’m surprised no team picked him up,” Rams cornerback Aqib Talib said of Natson. “I’m glad nobody did pick him up, so we had a chance to get him. We knew what he could do from the preseason and in training camp, so it wasn’t that surprising to us.”
HE’S BACK
Josh Rosen, UCLA’s former standout quarterback, returned to his hometown as the Cardinals’ backup but did not get in the game. Goff and Rosen chatted on the field during early warmups.
“We talked about a lot of stuff,” Goff said. “We talked about UCLA and about Cal. I’ve gotten to know Josh a little bit over the past year or so. Good kid. I wish him the best. I offered him, ‘Keep going,’ and a little bit of advice, but I think he’s in a good place and he’s got a great chance in Arizona.”
