The Rams overcame a tumultuous week to beat the Vikings in the playoffs
The Los Angeles Rams played with heavy hearts on Monday night.
With the Los Angeles Fire Department in the coaches’ box and wildfires raging back home in Southern California, the Rams rallied to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the wild-card playoffs.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts to Davis Allen’s touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff game Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The game was moved from Sophie Stadium in Inglewood, California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. However, the fans turned out in full force to get a big win from the boys in blue and gold.
Indeed, it started on 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 went to Kieran Williams and the other to Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl champion quarterback has passed to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Coby Turner (91) celebrates with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold against Byron Young (0) during the first half of an NFL wild card 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 looked like in his career. He was slow to get shots and looked indecisive for most of the game.
Despite having a good season, he finished 25-of-40 in the playoffs with 245 passing yards, a touchdown pass and one interception. The lone score was added by 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 division for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams now hit the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams will play on Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Vikings can begin their offseason and guess what they will ultimately do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was brought in as an emergency after JJ McCarthy suffered a torn Achilles 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 game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scooteri)
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Now Minnesota must make a decision whether to hand the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold around for at least one more season.
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