Rams back on top of game and NFC

They turn around to rout Cardinals for 10th win and conference lead

- BY GARY KLEIN

There was no time for players and fans to send Rams coach Sean McVay get-well-soon cards.

A day after deciding not to travel with the team for fear of spreading stomach-flu symptoms, McVay arrived at State Farm Field on Sunday morning.

McVay fist-bumped players during warmups, his trademark gelled hair spikes in full effect. And he looked none the worse for wear while roaming the sideline sockless and calling plays against the Arizona Cardinals.

McVay had to feel good after the Rams routed the Cardinals, 45-17.

Matthew Stafford passed for three touchdowns, Puka Nacua scored twice and amassed 167 yards receiving, and Blake Corum rushed for a career-high 128 yards and two touchdowns as the Rams bounced back from a loss to the Carolina Panthers and improved to 10-3, reclaiming the top spot in the NFC.

Linebacker Nate Landman intercepted a pass and Byron Young, Kobie Turner and Kam Curl had sacks for a defense that gave up an opening-drive touchdown but thereafter clamped down as the Rams built a 35-point lead.

It was an important victory for a Rams team regarded as a Super Bowl contender as it heads into the toughest stretch of its schedule.