The Los Angeles Rams play with heavy hearts on Monday night.
And the Los Angeles Fire Department embroidered wide on the chest of practices and the wildfires that were burning in Southern California at home, the Rams were able to beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the playoffs.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay tackles Davis Allen's touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff 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., due to fires. However, the fans came out in full force and treated the boys in blue and gold to a big win.
It really started with the defense. The Rams sacked Darnold six times in the first quarter and three times in the second quarter for a total of nine. Jared Verse also recovered Darnold's 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 was for Kyren Williams and the other was for Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl champion quarterback has completed more passes to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle 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 get passes and looked indecisive for much of the game.
Despite a good season, he finished 25-of-40 in the playoffs with 245 passing yards, a touchdown pass and one interception. His lone score came on 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 playoffs for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay. Rams will now hit the road against Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams will meet on Sunday at 3pm ET.
The Vikings can start their season and see what they do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was brought in as a surprise in the offseason after JJ McCarthy suffered a torn Achilles in training camp.
TJ Hockenson (87) of the Minnesota Vikings 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 Scooteri)
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Now, Minnesota will have to decide whether to hand the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold around for at least one more season.
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