Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

October 5, 2012

NFL Roundup: Cardinals knocked out of unbeaten ranks, 17-3

The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS - Sam Bradford busted a lengthy slump with a 52-yard touchdown pass to rookie Chris Givens to help the St. Louis Rams put away the previously unbeaten Arizona Cardinals, 17-3 on Thursday night.

Robert Quinn had three of the Rams' nine sacks on Kevin Kolb to keep the Cardinals grounded. Arizona (4-1) scored at least 20 points in each of its first four games, but had no luck containing a pass rush that entered the game with only six sacks.

Lance Kendricks caught a 7-yard TD pass in the first quarter and rookie Greg Zuerlein kicked a 53-yard field goal for the Rams (3-2), who are 3-0 at home and ended Arizona's seven-game winning streak in St. Louis -- the Cardinals' home before leaving for the desert in 1988.

The Rams totaled two victories last year but so far have executed a quick turnaround under new coach Jeff Fisher.

Now they're 3-0 at home for the first time since 2003, when they were unbeaten in Edward Jones Dome and they're above .500 for the first time since they were 4-3 on Nov. 4, 2006.

• St. Louis wide receiver Danny Amendola injured his right shoulder on a diving attempt at a catch in the second quarter against Arizona, and just after halftime the team said his return was doubtful.

A TV camera caught Amendola flinging his helmet into a wall with his left hand while walking in a tunnel, likely en route to an X-ray machine.

Amendola missed virtually all of last season after dislocating his left elbow in the opener.

The Rams also said that safety Quintin Mikell (head) and linebacker Mario Haggan (thigh) had been downgraded to doubtful from questionable to return to the game.

GIANTS: Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks won't play Sunday against Cleveland because of recurring left foot and knee problems.

Nicks has missed the last two games and Coach Tom Coughlin said that Nicks won't be available against the Browns. That complicates New York's passing game because backup Ramses Barden has a concussion and his status is uncertain.

Safety Antrel Rolle said he won't be sidelined with a left knee problem, and the Giants certainly could use him in a secondary plagued by injuries. The other starting safety, Kenny Phillips (right knee), is out, and cornerback Corey Webster is playing with a broken right hand.

CARDINALS: Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett started against St. Louis after sitting out last week because of a hamstring injury.

Two Cardinals backup tight ends, Todd Heap and Jim Dray, are out with knee injuries.

49ERS: Running back Brandon Jacobs might play for the first time this season Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.

After missing San Francisco's first four games with a knee injury, Jacobs is practicing this week without limitations. He's set to make his 49ers debut against the Bills, adding another threat for the NFL's third-ranked rushing offense.

VIKINGS: Linebacker Erin Henderson finished a full practice for the first time since his concussion in the Sept. 16 game at Indianapolis. Frazier said he's "optimistic" about Henderson playing this Sunday against Tennessee.

JETS: Tight end Dustin Keller and rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill were among six players who sat out practice with injuries as the team prepares to play undefeated Houston on Monday night.

PACKERS: Wide receiver Greg Jennings will not play Sunday at Indianapolis.

Coach Mike McCarthy said the two-time Pro Bowler will miss the game because of a groin injury that has nagged him all season.

(Continued on page 2)

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