LOS ANGELES _ The Los Angeles Rams said they were motivated and would play for pride in the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
They looked anything but inspired on Sunday at the Coliseum in a 44-6 loss that proved a fitting end to a lost season.
The Rams finished 4-12 in their return to Southern California. They lost 11 of their final 12 games and won only one game at home.
The search for a new coach to replace the fired Jeff Fisher will ramp up this week.
Rams quarterback Jared Goff, the No. 1 pick in the draft, was sacked seven times and absorbed numerous hits. He finished 0-7 as a starter.
Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, playing at the Coliseum for the first time since his last regular-season game at USC in 2002, completed 20 of 38 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception, as the Cardinals finished 7-8-1.
The Cardinals extended a 16-6 halftime lead with Palmer's touchdown pass to tight end Darren Fells and Kerwynn Williams' short touchdown run.
Palmer's touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald early in the fourth quarter made the score, 37-6, and cornerback Justin Bethel intercepted a pass by backup quarterback Sean Mannion and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown.
Goff completed 13 of 20 passes for 120 yards.
Running back Todd Gurley needed 155 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. He gained only 40 yards in 14 carries.
The Rams generated only 81 yards in the first half.
Chandler Catanzaro kicked a field goal on the Cardinals' first possession and then increased the lead after back-to-back turnovers in the second quarter.
Rams safety Maurice Alexander intercepted a pass to give the Rams a first down at the Cardinals' 29.
On the next play, Goff passed to his left to receiver Pharoh Cooper, who had stepped back behind the line of scrimmage. Cooper lofted a pass toward the right sideline but it was intercepted by defensive back Harlan Miller and returned 51 yards to the Rams' 35.
The Cardinals kicked another field goal for a 6-0 lead.
They increased the margin to 13 points on Palmer's short touchdown pass to receiver Jeremy Ross.
The Rams appeared to score a touchdown when Goff lined up under center and then walked to his right. The ball was snapped to Tavon Austin, who ran 38 yards around the left side to the end zone. But the play was nullified because of illegal motion.
The Rams settled for Greg Zuerlein's 43-yard field goal, pulling them to within 13-3.
On the ensuing possession, Chase Reynolds blocked a punt to give the Rams the ball at the Cardinals' 19. But the Rams could not take full advantage and, once again, Zuerlein came on to kick a field goal.
The Cardinals used the final seconds to drive down the field, getting an assist when cornerback Trumaine Johnson was penalized for a late hit. Catanzaro kicked a field goal as time expired for a 16-6 lead.
