The Los Angeles Rams channeled a week of turmoil and sorrow into a dominant defensive performance, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in a relocated NFC Wild Card game Monday night, The Associated Press reports.
The game, moved from Southern California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area, saw the Rams’ defense tie an NFL playoff record with nine sacks.
Fueled by an outpouring of support from a significant contingent of Rams fans who made the trip, Los Angeles (11-7) took control early and never looked back, securing a spot in the next round of the playoffs against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Rams’ defense proved relentless against Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Rookie linebacker Jared Verse punctuated the defensive dominance in the second quarter, scooping up a fumble forced by Akhello Witherspoon and racing 57 yards for a touchdown. The play was just one highlight in a night where Darnold faced constant pressure, being sacked five times before halftime alone.
The Rams offense also impressed, with quarterback Matthew Stafford completing his first 10 passes, including all six on the opening touchdown drive. Stafford threw for two touchdowns, including a 13-yard pass to tight end Davis Allen late in the first half, giving LA a commanding 24-3 lead. He finished the game with 209 passing yards.
The game’s location change, necessitated by public safety resources being needed to address wildfires in Los Angeles, didn’t seem to faze the Rams. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated that around 45,000 Rams fans made the trek to Phoenix for the game, and the 63,400-seat stadium appeared at near capacity.
Darnold’s playoff debut was a rough one. He threw an interception to Cobie Durant and was consistently under pressure from the Rams’ pass rush, losing 82 yards on the nine sacks. The Vikings (14-4) managed just 269 total yards, many of which came when the game was already well in hand for Los Angeles. The loss raises questions about Darnold’s future in Minnesota after he played this season on a one-year deal.
A controversial moment early in the second quarter went in the Rams’ favor. Stafford appeared to fumble while being pulled to the ground, with Minnesota’s Blake Cashman scooping the ball and returning it for a touchdown. However, after review, the play was overturned, ruled an incomplete pass. This decision seemed to be a turning point in the game, with the Vikings failing to mount a meaningful threat for the rest of the game.
Joshua Karty added a 44-yard field goal early in the second half to make the score 27-3 for the Rams, putting the game well out of reach for the Vikings. Kobie Turner contributed with two sacks to the Rams’ dominating defensive performance.
The Rams traveled to Phoenix on Friday and practiced at the Arizona Cardinals’ facility on Saturday.
Injuries:
- Vikings: OL Brian O’Neill was evaluated for a concussion.
- Rams: TE Tyler Higbee (chest) left in the first half and did not return. Akhello Witherspoon (thigh) left in the third quarter.
Up Next:
The Rams will now travel to the East Coast to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a matchup of two defenses that dominated in the opening round of the playoffs.
