Rams overcome chaotic week to beat Vikings in playoff game
The Los Angeles Rams had a heavy heart Monday night.
The coach has the Los Angeles Fire Department on his chest, wildfires are raging in his hometown of Southern California, and the Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay versus Davis Allen during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against Minnesota in Glendale, Arizona, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Vikings touchdown catch in reaction. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Due to the fire, the game was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. However, the fans came out in full force and witnessed a huge victory for the boys in blue and gold.
It really starts with defense. The Rams sacked Darnold six times in the first half and three more times in the second half, for a total of nine sacks. Jared Verse also caught a Darnold fumble and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't have to do much. He made 19 of 27 throws for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns. One touchdown was by Kyren Williams and the other by Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback completed passes to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobe Turner (91) and Byron Young during the first half of an NFL Wild Card Playoff football game on Monday, January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona (0) Celebrating the sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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The defense has allowed Darnold to regain the look he had earlier in his career. He was late catching passes and looked indecisive for much of the game.
Despite a stellar season, he went 25-for-40 in the playoffs with 245 yards, a touchdown pass and 1 interception. His only score came from 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 returns to the divisional round for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams will now take on the Philadelphia Eagles on the road. The two teams will face off on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
The Vikings can start their offseason and figure out what they will ultimately do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was brought in on an emergency basis this offseason after JJ McCarthy tore his Achilles in training camp.
Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson (87) plays against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. He caught the ball and ran 26 yards for a touchdown in the second half. (AP Photo/Rick Scutli)
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Now, Minnesota must decide whether to hand McCarthy the keys to the Cadillac or keep Darnold around for at least one more season.
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