The Los Angeles Rams played with heavy hearts on Monday night.
With the Los Angeles Fire Department emblazoned across the chest of coaches and wildfires raging in Southern California at home, the Rams rallied to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts to a Davis Allen touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The game was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona due to the fires. However, the fans turned out in full force and were treated to a big win from the boys in blue and gold.
It really started in defense. The Rams sacked Darnold six times in the first half and three more times in the second half for a total of nine. Jared Verse also recovered a Darnold fumble and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t have to do too much. He was 19-of-27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown was to Kyren Williams and the other was to Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl champion quarterback completed passes to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) celebrates his sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold with Byron Young (0) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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The defense returned Darnold to the player he resembled earlier in his career. He was slow to get passes and looked indecisive for most of the game.
Despite the big season, he finished the playoff game 25-of-40 with 245 passing yards, one touchdown pass and one interception. His lone score went to tight end TJ Hockenson, who led the team with five catches for 64 yards.
Vikings star Justin Jefferson had five catches for 58 yards.
Los Angeles is back in the divisional round for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams will now take on the Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams start on Sunday at 15 A.M.
The Vikings can start their offseason figuring out what they ultimately want to do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was brought in as an emergency in the offseason after JJ McCarthy suffered a torn Achilles in training camp.
Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson (87) runs after a catch for a 26-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Now Minnesota must make a decision on whether to hand the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold for at least one more season.
