ST. LOUIS — Even before Sam Bradford snapped out of it, the St. Louis Rams had enough points.

Their fast-improving defense saw to that.

Bradford busted a lengthy slump with a 52-yard touchdown pass to rookie Chris Givens for a two-TD cushion and Robert Quinn had three of the Rams' nine sacks on Kevin Kolb to keep the previously unbeaten Arizona Cardinals in check in a 17-3 victory Thursday night.

Arizona (4-1) scored at least 20 points in each of its first four games, but had no luck containing a pass rush that had totaled just six sacks on the year, and got stopped twice inside the 20 in the final minutes. The Rams also had a strong defensive game last week in a 19-13 victory over Seattle, also at home.

Lance Kendricks caught a 7-yard TD pass in the first quarter and Greg Zuerlein kicked a 53-yard field goal in the second quarter 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. They're 3-0 at home for the first time since 2003, when they were unbeaten in the Edward Jones Dome and they're above .500 for the first time since they were 4-3 on Nov. 4, 2006.

Bradford had been 3 for 16 for 25 yards and an end-zone interception since the opening drive, often missing on his receivers by a lot. Undoubtedly, he missed Danny Amendola, sidelined in the second quarter with a right shoulder injury on a diving attempt that was initially ruled a 22-yard catch for a first down but overturned after the Cardinals challenged.

Amendola perhaps hinted at the extent of the injury when he flung his helmet, with his left hand, while walking in a tunnel to get X-Rays.

The Rams, ranked 27th in offense, came out throwing, with Bradford completing passes of 14 yards to Brandon Gibson and 44 yards to Amendola on the first two plays, setting up the score to Kendricks on third down. It was the first offensive touchdown in three games for St. Louis.

Arizona responded with a drive that lasted 9:24, ending with Jay Feely's 35-yard field goal. The Cardinals kept the drive alive with three third-down conversions. Larry Fitzgerald's 5-yard catch on the first play of the drive marked the 122nd straight game with a catch, a franchise record.

Zuerlein, a sixth-round draft pick out of Missouri Western, made it 10-3 early in the second quarter. He is 13 for 13 this season, including four kicks of 50-plus yards.

Feely missed a 40-yard field goal late in the second quarter.

Bradford was 3 for 4 for 65 yards on the opening drive before cooling off. St. Louis was well within Zuerlein's range at the Arizona 16 late in the third quarter when a pass was intercepted by Patrick Peterson in the back of the end zone.

Arizona's loss leaves Atlanta and Houston as the only remaining unbeaten teams. The Cardinals were still the St. Louis Cardinals the last time they were 4-0, in 1974. Known as the "Big Red," those Cardinals won their first seven that season en route to a 10-4 record, before losing in the first round of the playoffs to Minnesota.

The loss was only the Cardinals' third in 14 games since starting the 2011 season 1-6.

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  • Kevin Kolb

    Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb reacts after being sacked during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. The Rams won 17-3. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams watches from the sidelines during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals intercepts a pass intended for Brian Quick #83 of the St. Louis Rams during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals intercepts a pass intended for Brian Quick #83 of the St. Louis Rams during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams runs against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals avoids a sack by Chris Long #91 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Brandon Gibson #11 of the St. Louis Rams is tackled by Greg Toler #28 of the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Daryl Richardson #26 of the St. Louis Rams rushes against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Daryl Washington #58 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Lance Kendricks #88 of the St. Louis Rams catches a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Head coach Ken Whisenhunt looks on from the sideline against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Chris Givens #13 of the St. Louis Rams catches a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals looks to pass the ball against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals intercepts a pass intended Chris Givens #13 of the St. Louis Rams for at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Robert Quinn #94 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates after sacking quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Robert Quinn #94 of the St. Louis Rams celebrates after sacking quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams enters the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals intercepts a pass intended for Brian Quick #83 of the St. Louis Rams during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after being sacked during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Jermelle Cudjo #93 of the St. Louis Rams during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to tackle Brandon Gibson #11 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams scrambles against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to stay inbounds during a punt return against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to catch a pass against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Janoris Jenkins #21 of the St. Louis Rams breaks up a pass intended for Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Ryan Williams #34 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Ryan Williams #34 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals passes during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Ryan Williams #34 of the Arizona Cardinals carries the ball as James Laurinaitis #55 and Janoris Jenkins #21 of the St. Louis Rams defend during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Steven Jackson #39 of the St. Louis Rams rushes against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals calls out signals during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals attempts to avoid a tackle by Cortland Finnegan #31 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Arizona Cardinals passes against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals drops a pass during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Janoris Jenkins #21 and Quintin Mikell #27 both of the St. Louis Rams tackle Rob Housler #84 of the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Janoris Jenkins #21 of the St. Louis Rams breaks up a pass intended for Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams enters the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St. Louis Rams

    ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 4: Brandon Gibson #11 of the St. Louis Rams makes a catch against the Arizona Cardinals at the Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Janoris Jenkins #21 of the St. Louis Rams breaks up a pass intended for Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Arizona Cardinals v St Louis Rams

    ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Janoris Jenkins #21 of the St. Louis Rams breaks up a pass intended for Andre Roberts #12 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game at Edward Jones Dome on October 4, 2012 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

  • Sam Bradford

    St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

  • Patrick Peterson, Danny Amendola

    St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola, right, catches a 44-yard pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

  • Patrick Peterson, Danny Amendola

    St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola, right, catches a 44-yard pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

  • Lance Kendricks, Daryl Richardson

    St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks is congratulated by Daryl Richardson, left, after catching a 7-yard pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Lance Kendricks

    St. Louis Rams tight end Lance Kendricks catches a 7-yard pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

  • Kevin Kolb

    Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb throws during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)