GLENDALE, Ariz. — Now that’s what you name making your self proper at dwelling, even if it was almost 400 miles away.
Due to security considerations attributable to wildfires in Southern California, the NFL moved the Rams’ NFC wild-card sport in opposition to the Minnesota Vikings from SoFi Stadium to State Farm Stadium.
However the Rams — on a mission to win and likewise raise the spirits of their devastated hometown — didn’t flinch Monday evening.
Matthew Stafford handed for 2 touchdowns and the Rams’ protection dominated in a 27-9 victory that superior L.A. to a NFC divisional spherical sport in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles subsequent Sunday at Lincoln Monetary Area in Philadelphia.
The Rams sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold 9 occasions. Cornerback Cobie Durant intercepted a cross, and rookie edge rusher Jared Verse returned a fumble for a landing because the Rams beat the Vikings for the second time this season and superior to the divisional spherical for the primary time for the reason that 2021 season, after they received Tremendous Bowl LVI.
Rams defensive deal with Kobie Turner sacks the Vikings’ Sam Darnold within the first quarter of their wild-card playoff sport. The Rams completed with 9 sacks.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Instances)
It was an exhilarating victory for a Rams group that left Los Angeles on Friday to flee the fires which have devastated the Southland and to arrange for a Vikings group whose solely losses throughout a 14-3 season got here in opposition to the top-seeded Detroit Lions twice and the Rams.
The Rams made each effort to offer the stadium a well-recognized really feel.
There was no big Oculus videoboard suspended over the sector, however the Rams brand was painted at midfield and the tip zones have been painted blue with yellow letters spelling out RAMS and LOS ANGELES. The digital ribbon boards that ringed the within of the stadium additionally have been in Rams colours, and the Rams introduced their DJ, rock guitarist and mariachi band.
Busloads of followers made the journey, Mookie Betts and several other teammates from the Dodgers World Sequence champions attended, and retired defensive lineman Aaron Donald confirmed as much as consolation his former teammates and root them on.
For all sensible functions it was SoFi East.
Coach Sean McVay constructed up his group from the second they misplaced the season finale in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks, a sport during which he rested starters. A victory would have arrange a wild-card sport in opposition to the Washington Commanders or Inexperienced Bay Packers however the defeat put the Rams in a possible matchup in opposition to the highly effective Lions or Vikings.
“We respect all, but we fear none,” McVay mentioned after the sport.
If the Rams wanted any further motivation, Lions coach Dan Campbell inadvertently supplied it. After his group’s 31-9 victory over the Vikings, he advised Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, “I’ll see you in two weeks.” A screenshot of that trade was taped above a passageway within the Rams’ facility.
Just a few days later, McVay addressed his gamers whereas holding a paperweight emblazoned with “Built for this,” and he emphasised that theme after the Rams practiced Saturday in Tempe, Ariz.
The Rams seemed the half in opposition to a Vikings group that also gave the impression to be in a funk after their embarrassing loss to the Lions.
The Rams’ Kyren Williams catches a five-yard landing cross from Matthew Stafford in opposition to the Vikings of their wild-card playoff sport.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Instances)
The sometimes slow-starting Rams broke from custom and scored early. They constructed a 10-0 first-quarter lead on Stafford’s landing cross to operating again Kyren Williams. They prolonged it on Verse’s fumble return — exuberantly punctuating the play with a somersault into the tip zone — and Stafford’s landing cross to tight finish Davis Allen for a 24-3 halftime lead.
The Vikings by no means threatened to make it shut.
Now the Rams should get able to play the Eagles.
On Nov. 24, the Eagles stomped the Rams 37-20 at SoFi Stadium behind operating again Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 255 yards, together with landing runs of 72 and 70 yards.
Defeating the Eagles might be a troublesome activity, particularly on the highway.
The Rams confirmed Monday they’re prepared for the problem.
