Game story
In Week 15 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-12-15, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 30–28 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 28 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with +4.15 total EPA.
On the individual side, T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.50 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+25.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (1:51) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt to ARI 22 for 58 yards (22-D.Starks).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 0 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 3 | 21 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 30 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Holt · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +11.50 total EPA · 10 snaps · +1.15 EPA/play
- 2 J. Plummer · Arizona Cardinals · Passing · +8.87 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.29 EPA/play
- 3 M. Shipp · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.80 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.90 EPA/play
- 4 M. Bulger · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +4.15 total EPA · 45 snaps · +0.09 EPA/play
- 5 T. Edwards · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +3.08 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.54 EPA/play
- 6 K. Kasper · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.70 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 7 J. McAddley · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.43 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.36 EPA/play
- 8 J. Plummer · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.34 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.67 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Holt — LA · Receiving
T. Holt posted the highest total EPA (+11.50) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +1.15 EPA per play.
The signature play (+6.84 EPA) came from Arizona Cardinals: (11:49) 16-J.Plummer pass to 31-M.Shipp for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Rams — D. Bly
- Arizona Cardinals — M. Shipp
- Los Angeles Rams — T. Edwards (M. Bulger pass)
- Los Angeles Rams — T. Holt (M. Bulger pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — M. Shipp (J. Plummer pass)
- Arizona Cardinals — M. Shipp
- Arizona Cardinals — S. Bush (J. Plummer pass)
Field goals
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
- Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 8 (Q1 56:57) — (11:57) 14-J.Wilkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 21–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the LA 70 (Q2 43:43) — (13:43) 10-S.Player punts 48 yards to LA 22, Center-48-N.Hodel. 32-D.Bly for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 43:24) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 5 (Q2 36:11) — (6:11) 31-M.Shipp left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q2 36:08) — 7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 4 (Q2 31:07) — (1:07) 10-M.Bulger pass to 88-T.Edwards for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 31:03) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 3 (Q2 30:07) — (:07) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q2 30:02) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl..
The third quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 14–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 80 (Q3 26:49) — (11:49) 16-J.Plummer pass to 31-M.Shipp for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q3 26:33) — 7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q3 20:14) — (5:14) 31-M.Shipp left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q3 20:08) — 7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..
The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–6. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 19 (Q4 11:37) — (11:37) 14-J.Wilkins 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q4 7:51) — (7:51) 16-J.Plummer pass to 87-S.Bush for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q4 7:46) — 7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 8 (Q4 0:23) — (:23) 14-J.Wilkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 1:51) — (1:51) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt to ARI 22 for 58 yards (22-D.Starks).
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 2:00) — (2:00) 10-S.Player punts 47 yards to end zone, Center-48-N.Hodel, Touchback.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 0:13) — (:13) (Shotgun) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 19-N.Poole INTERCEPTED by 22-T.Fisher at ARI 46. 22-T.Fisher to 50 for -4 yards (19-N.Poole). PENALTY on LA-91-L.Little, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 1
- Arizona Cardinals (Q4 9:24) — (9:24) 16-J.Plummer scrambles right end pushed ob at LA 9 for 24 yards (21-D.McCleon).
- Los Angeles Rams (Q4 1:05) — (1:05) 28-M.Faulk up the middle to ARI 8 for 9 yards (42-K.Lassiter).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q3 26:49) — (11:49) 16-J.Plummer pass to 31-M.Shipp for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 43:43) — (13:43) 10-S.Player punts 48 yards to LA 22, Center-48-N.Hodel. 32-D.Bly for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Arizona Cardinals (Q2 30:45) — (:45) (Shotgun) 16-J.Plummer sacked at ARI 32 for -9 yards (91-L.Little). FUMBLES (91-L.Little), RECOVERED by LA-91-L.Little at ARI 32. 91-L.Little to ARI 32 for no gain (75-L.Davis). Play Challenged
- Los Angeles Rams (Q2 39:38) — (9:38) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 84-E.Conwell INTERCEPTED by 22-D.Starks at 50. 22-D.Starks to 50 for no gain (84-E.Conwell).
Quarterback report card
M.Bulger led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Rams, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Bulger (Los Angeles Rams) · 45 dropbacks · 53.3% completion · +0.09 EPA/play · +4.15 total EPA
- J.Plummer (Arizona Cardinals) · 31 dropbacks · 54.8% completion · +0.29 EPA/play · +8.87 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.058 | +0.041 |
| Offensive success rate | 52.4% | 52.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.312 | +0.092 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.001 | -0.217 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.041 | -0.058 |
| Defensive success rate | 47.6% | 47.6% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Arizona Cardinals +0.06, Los Angeles Rams +0.04) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Arizona Cardinals: 14 drives, +4.88 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Rams: 14 drives, +3.43 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Rams leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q1 56:57 · ARI 8 · Score 0-3
(11:57) 14-J.Wilkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 43:43 · LA 70 · Score 0-9
(13:43) 10-S.Player punts 48 yards to LA 22, Center-48-N.Hodel. 32-D.Bly for 78 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 43:24 · ARI 2 · Score 0-10
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 36:11 · LA 5 · Score 6-10
(6:11) 31-M.Shipp left end for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 36:08 · LA 2 · Score 7-10
7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 31:07 · ARI 4 · Score 7-16
(1:07) 10-M.Bulger pass to 88-T.Edwards for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 31:03 · ARI 2 · Score 7-17
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. - Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 30:07 · ARI 3 · Score 7-23
(:07) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 30:02 · ARI 2 · Score 7-24
14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 26:49 · LA 80 · Score 13-24
(11:49) 16-J.Plummer pass to 31-M.Shipp for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 26:33 · LA 2 · Score 14-24
7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 20:14 · LA 1 · Score 20-24
(5:14) 31-M.Shipp left end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 20:08 · LA 2 · Score 21-24
7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 11:37 · ARI 19 · Score 21-27
(11:37) 14-J.Wilkins 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl. - Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 7:51 · LA 1 · Score 27-27
(7:51) 16-J.Plummer pass to 87-S.Bush for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 7:46 · LA 2 · Score 28-27
7-B.Gramatica extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player. - Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 0:23 · ARI 8 · Score 28-30
(:23) 14-J.Wilkins 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-87-R.Proehl.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 30-28 in Week 15, 2002 on 2002-12-15.
What was the final score of Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
The final score was Arizona Cardinals 28, Los Angeles Rams 30 (ARI 28-30 LA) in Week 15, 2002 on 2002-12-15.
What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Q1: Arizona Cardinals 0, Los Angeles Rams 3; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 7, Los Angeles Rams 21; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 14, Los Angeles Rams 0; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 7, Los Angeles Rams 6; Final: Arizona Cardinals 28, Los Angeles Rams 30.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
Los Angeles Rams touchdown — D. Bly (Q2 43:43) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Shipp (Q2 36:11) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Edwards (M. Bulger pass) (Q2 31:07) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Holt (M. Bulger pass) (Q2 30:07) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Shipp (J. Plummer pass) (Q3 26:49) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Shipp (Q3 20:14) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — S. Bush (J. Plummer pass) (Q4 7:51) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q1 56:57, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q4 11:37, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q4 0:23, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams), 53.3% completion, +0.09 EPA per dropback, +4.15 total passing EPA. J. Plummer (Arizona Cardinals), 54.8% completion, +0.29 EPA per dropback, +8.87 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams?
T. Holt (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +11.50 on receiving plays. across 10 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+6.84 EPA): (11:49) 16-J.Plummer pass to 31-M.Shipp for 80 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +25.6%.
Was Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Los Angeles Rams won 30-28 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Arizona Cardinals
Entered 5-8 Now 5-9 L
Los Angeles Rams
Entered 5-8 Now 6-8 W
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
