The Los Angeles Rams played with heartbreak on Monday night.
With the Los Angeles Fire Department packed with coaches and wildfires raging in Southern California at home, 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 reacts to Davis Allen’s touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The game was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., because of the fire. However, the fans turned out to be packed and got a big win for the boys in blue and gold.
It really started in defense. The Rams sacked Darnold six times in the first half and three more in the second half for a total of nine. Jared Verse 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 much. He was 19-of-27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown was to Kyren Williams and the other to Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl champion quarterback has completed passes to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Kobie Turner (91) celebrates his sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold and Byron Young (0) during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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The defense returned Darnold to the player he looked like earlier in his career. He was slow to receive passes and looked indecisive for much of the game.
Despite a great season, he finished the playoffs 25-of-40 with 245 passing yards, a 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 hit the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams will meet on Sunday at 3 pm ET.
The Vikings can start their first season and see what they do with Darnold. The veteran was brought in as an emergency in the offseason after JJ McCarthy suffered an Achilles injury in training camp.
Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson (87) runs after a 26-yard touchdown catch against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Now, Minnesota will have to make a decision whether to hand the keys to McCarthy’s Cadillac or keep Darnold around for at least one more season.
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