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NFL · Week 12 · November 23, 2003 · 12 min read

Los Angeles Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals: 2003 Week 12 Recap

Rams defeat Cardinals 30–27 in Week 12

A.Boldin led Fantasy Impact as Rams prevailed in a 30–27 Week 12 finish.

Los Angeles Rams 30 8–3 Winner
Final 30–27
Arizona Cardinals 27 3–8
Winner
Los Angeles Rams
Final score
30–27
Halftime
Los Angeles Rams 17–10 Arizona Cardinals
Top passer
M. Bulger
FantasyHQ MVP
A.Boldin
Game date
November 23, 2003

Top fantasy performers · Rams

  • T.Holt 9 REC · 145 YDS +12.2 Fantasy Impact
  • I.Bruce 7 REC · 99 YDS · 1 TD +11.1 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Faulk 5 REC · 33 YDS +1.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

  • A.Boldin 6 REC · 123 YDS · 2 TD +12.4 Fantasy Impact
  • B.Gilmore 3 REC · 50 YDS +5.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Buddy Johnson
    Buddy Johnson 1 REC · 6 YDS +1.6 Fantasy Impact
View Rams vs Cardinals box score View all 2003 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals 30–27 in Week 12 of the 2003 NFL season on 2003-11-23, a matchup that came down to the wire. The decisive swing (+30.3% win probability) came in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams swung the momentum.

In Week 12 of the 2003 NFL season on 2003-11-23, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Arizona Cardinals, pulling away with a 30–27 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams) paced the passing game, with -9.41 total EPA.

On the individual side, A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +12.38 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+30.3% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Rams changed the game: (:54) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt pushed ob at ARI 24 for 23 yards (24-A.Wilson).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4OTT
Los Angeles Rams14373330
Arizona Cardinals010710027

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +12.38 total EPA · 6 snaps · +2.06 EPA/play
  2. 2 T. Holt · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +12.22 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.36 EPA/play
  3. 3 I. Bruce · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +11.07 total EPA · 7 snaps · +1.58 EPA/play
  4. 4 B. Gilmore · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +5.29 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.76 EPA/play
  5. 5 A. Boldin · Arizona Cardinals · Rushing · +1.76 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
  6. 6 M. Faulk · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.70 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
  7. 7 B. Johnson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +1.61 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.61 EPA/play
  8. 8 B. Manumaleuna · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +1.44 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

A. Boldin — ARI · Receiving

A. Boldin posted the highest total EPA (+12.38) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Arizona Cardinals's efficiency. Across 6 counted snaps, they averaged +2.06 EPA per play.

The signature play (-9.76 EPA) came from Los Angeles Rams: (2:03) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 21-R.Hill at ARI 30. 21-R.Hill for 70 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 — M. Faulk (Q1 54:17)
  • Los Angeles Rams — I. Bruce (M. Bulger pass) (Q1 48:44)
  • Arizona Cardinals — R. Hill (Q2 32:03)
  • Los Angeles Rams — T. Fisher (Q3 25:57)
  • Arizona Cardinals — A. Boldin (J. Blake pass) (Q3 15:07)
  • Arizona Cardinals — A. Boldin (J. Blake pass) (Q4 12:04)

Field goals

  • Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers (Q2 35:41)
  • Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins (Q2 30:05)
  • Arizona Cardinals — N. Rackers (Q4 6:08)
  • Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins (Q4 0:04)
  • Los Angeles Rams — J. Wilkins (OT 10:28)

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 14–0. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q1 54:17) — (9:17) 28-M.Faulk left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q1 54:15) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the ARI 14 (Q1 48:44) — (3:44) 10-M.Bulger pass to 80-I.Bruce for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q1 48:35) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..

The second quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–3. Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LA 4 (Q2 35:41) — (5:41) 1-N.Rackers 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the ARI 32 (Q2 32:03) — (2:03) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 21-R.Hill at ARI 30. 21-R.Hill for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q2 31:50) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 11 (Q2 30:05) — (:05) 14-J.Wilkins 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the LA 44 (Q3 25:57) — (10:57) 11-J.Blake pass intended for 85-F.Jones INTERCEPTED by 22-T.Fisher at LA 43. 22-T.Fisher for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the ARI 2 (Q3 25:43) — 14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 54 (Q3 15:07) — (:07) 11-J.Blake pass to 81-A.Boldin for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q3 15:00) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player..

The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 10–3. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the LA 3 (Q4 12:04) — (12:04) 11-J.Blake pass to 81-A.Boldin for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the LA 2 (Q4 11:59) — 1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Arizona Cardinals connected on a field goal from the LA 10 (Q4 6:08) — (6:08) 1-N.Rackers 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 6 (Q4 0:04) — (:04) 14-J.Wilkins 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..

Overtime: Los Angeles Rams won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the ARI 31 (OT 10:28) — (10:28) 14-J.Wilkins 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • Los Angeles Rams (Q4 0:54) — (:54) 10-M.Bulger pass to 81-T.Holt pushed ob at ARI 24 for 23 yards (24-A.Wilson). [WPA +30.3% · EPA +2.91]
  • Los Angeles Rams (OT 10:28) — (10:28) 14-J.Wilkins 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker. [WPA +29.8% · EPA +1.81]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q2 32:03) — (2:03) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 21-R.Hill at ARI 30. 21-R.Hill for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -21.5% · EPA -9.76]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q3 25:57) — (10:57) 11-J.Blake pass intended for 85-F.Jones INTERCEPTED by 22-T.Fisher at LA 43. 22-T.Fisher for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -19.6% · EPA -9.37]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q4 7:47) — (7:47) 10-M.Bulger sacked at LA 20 for -10 yards (57-R.McKinnon). FUMBLES (57-R.McKinnon), RECOVERED by ARI-72-K.King at LA 19. [WPA -18.8% · EPA -5.34]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • Los Angeles Rams (Q2 32:03) — (2:03) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 21-R.Hill at ARI 30. 21-R.Hill for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -21.5% · EPA -9.76]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q3 25:57) — (10:57) 11-J.Blake pass intended for 85-F.Jones INTERCEPTED by 22-T.Fisher at LA 43. 22-T.Fisher for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -19.6% · EPA -9.37]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q1 58:11) — (13:11) 11-J.Blake pass INTERCEPTED by 50-P.Tinoisamoa at LA 47. 50-P.Tinoisamoa to ARI 24 for 29 yards (81-A.Boldin). PENALTY on LA, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced at ARI 24. [WPA -17.1% · EPA -5.46]
  • Los Angeles Rams (Q4 7:47) — (7:47) 10-M.Bulger sacked at LA 20 for -10 yards (57-R.McKinnon). FUMBLES (57-R.McKinnon), RECOVERED by ARI-72-K.King at LA 19. [WPA -18.8% · EPA -5.34]

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) · 50 dropbacks · 56.0% completion · -0.19 EPA/play · -9.41 total EPA
  • J.Blake (Arizona Cardinals) · 29 dropbacks · 51.7% completion · -0.39 EPA/play · -11.40 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatLos Angeles RamsArizona Cardinals
Offensive EPA/play-0.052-0.136
Offensive success rate52.1%46.1%
Pass EPA/play-0.165-0.311
Rush EPA/play-0.032-0.066
Defensive EPA/play+0.136+0.052
Defensive success rate53.9%47.9%

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Los Angeles Rams generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.05 vs -0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

  • Arizona Cardinals: 13 drives, -10.35 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Los Angeles Rams: 14 drives, -4.93 total EPA, 6 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.
  • A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) 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.

  1. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 54:17 · ARI 1 · Score 6-0
    (9:17) 28-M.Faulk left tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 54:15 · ARI 2 · Score 7-0
    14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.
  3. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 48:44 · ARI 14 · Score 13-0
    (3:44) 10-M.Bulger pass to 80-I.Bruce for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 48:35 · ARI 2 · Score 14-0
    14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.
  5. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q2 35:41 · LA 4 · Score 14-3
    (5:41) 1-N.Rackers 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  6. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 32:03 · ARI 32 · Score 14-9
    (2:03) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 21-R.Hill at ARI 30. 21-R.Hill for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 31:50 · LA 2 · Score 14-10
    1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  8. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:05 · ARI 11 · Score 17-10
    (:05) 14-J.Wilkins 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.
  9. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 25:57 · LA 44 · Score 23-10
    (10:57) 11-J.Blake pass intended for 85-F.Jones INTERCEPTED by 22-T.Fisher at LA 43. 22-T.Fisher for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 25:43 · ARI 2 · Score 24-10
    14-J.Wilkins extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.
  11. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q3 15:07 · LA 54 · Score 24-16
    (:07) 11-J.Blake pass to 81-A.Boldin for 54 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q3 15:00 · LA 2 · Score 24-17
    1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  13. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 12:04 · LA 3 · Score 24-23
    (12:04) 11-J.Blake pass to 81-A.Boldin for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 11:59 · LA 2 · Score 24-24
    1-N.Rackers extra point is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  15. Arizona Cardinals FG (+3) — Q4 6:08 · LA 10 · Score 24-27
    (6:08) 1-N.Rackers 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-N.Hodel, Holder-10-S.Player.
  16. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 0:04 · ARI 6 · Score 27-27
    (:04) 14-J.Wilkins 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.
  17. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — OT 10:28 · ARI 31 · Score 30-27
    (10:28) 14-J.Wilkins 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Massey, Holder-89-D.Looker.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?

The Los Angeles Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 30-27 in Week 12, 2003 on 2003-11-23.

What was the final score of Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?

The final score was Los Angeles Rams 30, Arizona Cardinals 27 (LA 30-27 ARI) in Week 12, 2003 on 2003-11-23.

What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?

Q1: Los Angeles Rams 14, Arizona Cardinals 0; Q2: Los Angeles Rams 3, Arizona Cardinals 10; Q3: Los Angeles Rams 7, Arizona Cardinals 7; Q4: Los Angeles Rams 3, Arizona Cardinals 10; Q5: Los Angeles Rams 3, Arizona Cardinals 0; Final: Los Angeles Rams 30, Arizona Cardinals 27.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?

Los Angeles Rams touchdown — M. Faulk (Q1 54:17) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — I. Bruce (M. Bulger pass) (Q1 48:44) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — R. Hill (Q2 32:03) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — T. Fisher (Q3 25:57) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Boldin (J. Blake pass) (Q3 15:07) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — A. Boldin (J. Blake pass) (Q4 12:04) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q2 35:41, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q2 30:05, 3 pts) Arizona Cardinals field goal — N. Rackers (Q4 6:08, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (Q4 0:04, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — J. Wilkins (OT 10:28, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?

M. Bulger (Los Angeles Rams), 56.0% completion, -0.19 EPA per dropback, -9.41 total passing EPA. J. Blake (Arizona Cardinals), 51.7% completion, -0.39 EPA per dropback, -11.40 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals?

A. Boldin (Arizona Cardinals) led the game in total EPA with +12.38 on receiving plays. across 6 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-9.76 EPA): (2:03) 10-M.Bulger pass intended for 86-B.Manumaleuna INTERCEPTED by 21-R.Hill at ARI 30. 21-R.Hill for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was +30.3%.

Was Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Los Angeles Rams won 30-27 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Los Angeles Rams

Entered 7-3 Now 8-3 W

Arizona Cardinals

Entered 3-7 Now 3-8 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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