For the ultimate matchup of the wildcard spherical, the Vikings had been on the street to face the Rams. It was purported to be a house sport for Los Angeles. Nonetheless, LA wildfires compelled the sport to be moved to a impartial web site within the Arizona Cardinals’ residence stadium. The Rams rallied behind their metropolis and used that as motivation heading into the playoffs.
Los Angeles rapidly jumped out to a 7-0 lead they usually by no means gave it up. In opposition to the 14-3 Vikings, the Rams’ protection performed arguably their greatest sport of the season. It was the fourth time within the final 4 video games that they’ve let up lower than 10 factors. Sean McVay couldn’t ask his protection to be enjoying any higher than they’ve been during the last month. Vikings QB Sam Darnold was sacked 9 occasions by the Rams on Monday night time. A postseason franchise file for Los Angeles.
The Rams dominated the Vikings defensively within the wildcard spherical
9 sacks in a dominating efficiency for the #Rams protection. And, amid all types of adversity, Los Angeles performs on. The #Eagles are subsequent.
pic.twitter.com/hwmU7IaH1t— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2025
Matthew Stafford and the Rams had been well-prepared for his or her matchup vs. the Vikings within the wildcard spherical. They had been capable of transfer the ball offensively and their protection held the Vikings to 9 factors. Los Angeles’ protection got here to play towards Minnesota they usually had Sam Darnold feeling the stress all night time. The Rams had 9 sacks on Monday, tied for probably the most in a playoff sport throughout the trendy Tremendous Bowl period. It was an all-out dominant efficiency by Los Angeles on protection.
Moreover, the Rams compelled a fumble on Sam Darold and rookie Jared Verse picked the ball up. He ran 57 yards and dove into the endzone for a defensive landing. He’s the primary rookie since J.J. Watt in 2011 to attain a defensive landing in a playoff sport. Cornerback Cobie Durant had the one interception of the sport for the Rams. Los Angeles can take pleasure in their win for twenty-four hours however they’ve a particularly powerful matchup within the divisional spherical. They are going to be on the street to face the Eagles. Earlier this season, the Rams misplaced 37-20 to the Eagles, and Saquon Barkley rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns. We’ll what sort of defensive efficiency the Rams can have towards their second matchup vs. Philadelphia.