The Los Angeles Rams played with heavy hearts Monday night.
While the Los Angeles Fire Department was emblazoned across coaches’ chests and wildfires raged across Southern California, at home, the Rams managed to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the playoff round. playoffs.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts to a Davis Allen touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The game was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona due to fires. However, the supporters turned out in full force and were treated to a great victory for the boys in blue and gold.
It really started on 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 need to do too much. He was 19 of 27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown was intended for Kyren Williams and the other for 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 playoff football game Monday, Jan. 13 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (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 late getting passes and looked indecisive for most of the game.
Despite having a great season, he finished the playoff game 25 of 40 with 245 passing yards, one touchdown pass and one interception. His only 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 face off on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
The Vikings can begin their offseason and figure out what they will eventually do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was an emergency signing in the offseason after JJ McCarthy suffered a torn Achilles tendon 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 playoff football game , on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
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Now, Minnesota will have to decide whether to give the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold for at least one more season.
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