Rams dominate Vikings, will face Eagles in divisional round
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- In a playoff matchup relocated from SoFi Stadium due to the wildfires affecting Southern California, the Los Angeles Rams triumphed over the Minnesota Vikings with a score of 27-9 on Monday night, securing their place in the divisional round.
The young Rams defense showcased a remarkable improvement since the beginning of the season, particularly following a significant 41-10 loss to the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Week 2.
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During the game on Monday night, the Rams effectively pressured Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, with Defensive Rookie of the Year contender Jared Verse recovering a fumble and returning it for a touchdown, extending Los Angeles' lead to 17-3 in the second quarter.
Darnold was sacked nine times throughout the game, equaling an NFL playoff record, while Minnesota's offense struggled to find any rhythm.
This playoff victory marked the Rams' first since their Super Bowl LVI win in the 2021 season, and players and coaches donned Los Angeles Fire Department hats and shirts on the sidelines to pay tribute to the first responders battling the fires in Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, the Rams will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs on Sunday.
Here are the key points to note for both teams:
Rams overwhelm Vikings in playoff game moved due to L.A. fires
Los Angeles Rams (11-7)
Quarterback analysis: Matthew Stafford successfully completed 19 out of 27 passes, accumulating 209 yards along with two touchdowns, while being sacked twice. He notably connected on 12 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns directed towards running backs and tight ends. As per ESPN Research, this marks his highest total for both yards and passing touchdowns in a single game this season.
Most unexpected performance: The Rams' explosive offensive start. Throughout the season, Los Angeles had faced challenges in scoring early, but this was not the case on Monday night. The Rams managed to score a touchdown on their opening drive for only the third time this season, as reported by ESPN Research. This drive consisted of seven plays covering 70 yards, with Stafford completing all six of his attempts for 64 yards, culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Kyren Williams.
Crucial moment: In the early stages of the second quarter, Stafford was struck by Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard. Initially, the play was deemed a fumble, resulting in a touchdown for the Vikings after Blake Cashman's recovery. This would have leveled the score at 10, pending an extra point; however, the decision was overturned to an incomplete pass, allowing the Rams to retain possession.
Game description in two words: Sack attack. The Rams recorded nine sacks against Darnold, equaling an NFL playoff record. Darnold faced six sacks in the first half, marking the highest total for any half in his career. According to ESPN Research, the last team to achieve six sacks in the first half of a playoff game was Washington during the January 1988 NFC Championship Game against Minnesota. -- Sarah Barshop
Upcoming game: at Eagles (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET).
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- As quarterback Matthew Stafford entered the field prior to the Los Angeles Rams' 27-9 playoff triumph over the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium, he was met with enthusiastic cheers from the visiting supporters.
Originally slated to be held at SoFi Stadium on Monday night, the NFC wild-card-round game was relocated to Arizona due to wildfires in Southern California. Despite not playing in their home venue, Stafford emphasized that the team was motivated to represent a city facing significant challenges.
"There were certainly numerous reasons to come out here feeling sluggish and defeated, but we recognized that we were not just playing for ourselves," Stafford remarked. "[We were] playing for those back home who needed something uplifting to watch and enjoy, and I am pleased we could provide that."
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp noted that the team recognized "a unique opportunity to come here and be a source of positivity, a moment of joy and energy that could distract people from the chaos of their lives and the circumstances surrounding us at this time."
"There was a sense of responsibility that I believe the players felt to put forth their best effort," Kupp stated. "As you emerge from the tunnel, that weight becomes very apparent. The presence of the fans and the energy they brought created an atmosphere that you wanted to maximize."
Stafford attributed the team's ability to maintain focus amid a challenging week to the leadership of coach Sean McVay. McVay expressed that the team's performance on Monday -- "to remain connected, to support one another, to fight, showcasing spirit and resilience" -- "epitomized" and "represented the city in the best possible manner."
"Sports provide a platform for people to come together."
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