ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis Rams' defense had its best day of the season last weekend. After Patrick Peterson's 99-yard punt return in overtime at Arizona, it was lost in the shuffle.

The Rams defense held the Cardinals to 262 total yards in the 19-13 loss. The Cardinals converted just two of their 10 third-down plays.

Two weeks ago in a 31-21 victory over New Orleans, the Rams gave up 283 yards. Only a touchdown with 6 seconds remaining made the final score seem closer than it was.

Such signs of progress are welcome for the 1-7 Rams, who play at Cleveland on Sunday.