Cardinals stifle Rams

CHANDLER Catanzaro kicked four field goals and the Cardinals overcame the loss of quarterback Drew Stanton with their stifling defense, moving closer to clinching a playoff spot with a 12-6 win over the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night.

The Rams (6-8) were held to Greg Zuerlein’s two short field goals and had five three-and-out series in the third quarter.

Catanzaro’s 23-yard field goal early in the second quarter ended nine quarters of shutout defense by St. Louis, which beat Washington and Oakland by a combined 76-0 the previous two weeks.

The Rams were eliminated from playoff contention.

Ryan Lindley was ineffective in his first appearance since 2012 in relief of Stanton, who injured his right knee on a sack in the third quarter, but it didn’t matter.

The Cardinals (11-3) entered tied for the top overall record in the NFC and will clinch a playoff spot if Sunday’s Dallas-Philadelphia game doesn’t end in a tie, or Detroit loses and Green Bay wins.

CAM FEELS LUCKY

Cam Newton is not worried about when he’ll return to the football field — he said he’s just happy to be alive.

The Panthers quarterback returned to the team’s facility Thursday, two days after a two-car accident left him with two fractures in his lower back. He did not practice and his playing status will be reevaluated next week.

“As far as when I’m coming back, who cares? I’m just thankful to have breath in my lungs,” said Newton, who won’t play Sunday against Tampa Bay. Derek Anderson will start instead.