Rams Dominate Vikings 27-9 in Wild-Card Game Relocated Due to Wildfires/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in a wild-card playoff game relocated to Arizona due to wildfires in Southern California. The Rams’ defense tied an NFL playoff record with nine sacks, including a 57-yard fumble recovery touchdown by rookie Jared Verse. Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw two touchdown passes as LA advanced to face the Eagles.
Rams vs. Vikings Wild-Card Game: Quick Looks
- Final Score: Rams 27, Vikings 9.
- Location: Relocated to Glendale, Arizona, due to LA wildfires.
- Defensive Record: Rams tied a playoff record with nine sacks.
- Key Play: Jared Verse’s 57-yard fumble return touchdown in the second quarter.
- Next Matchup: Rams face the Eagles on the road in the divisional round.
Rams Dominate Vikings 27-9 in Wild-Card Game Relocated Due to Wildfires
Deep Look:
Relocation Due to Wildfires
The game was originally scheduled for Los Angeles but was moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona due to wildfires that strained public safety resources. Despite the change, the Rams were supported by an estimated 45,000 fans who made the trip.
Rams’ Defense Dominates
The Rams’ defense was the star of the game, tying an NFL playoff record with nine sacks. Linebacker Jared Verse had a standout performance, scoring on a 57-yard fumble recovery.
- Witherspoon’s Impact: Akhello Witherspoon forced the fumble that Verse returned, sparking the Rams’ momentum.
- Kobie Turner: Recorded two of the team’s nine sacks, consistently pressuring the Vikings.
Offensive Highlights
- Matthew Stafford: The veteran quarterback completed his first 10 passes and threw for two touchdowns, including a late first-half score to Davis Allen.
- Josh Karty: Added a 44-yard field goal to extend the Rams’ lead early in the second half.
The Rams’ offense capitalized on early momentum, taking a commanding 24-3 lead by halftime.
Vikings’ Struggles
Minnesota quarterback Sam Darnold faced relentless pressure, completing 25 of 40 passes for 245 yards but losing 82 yards on sacks. Darnold threw an interception and lost a fumble, compounding the Vikings’ struggles.
- Missed Opportunities: A potential defensive touchdown by Blake Cashman was overturned on replay, marking a pivotal moment in the game.
- Limited Production: The Vikings managed just 269 total yards, much of it coming when the game was out of reach.
Key Moments
- Verse’s Game-Changing Play: His fumble recovery and 57-yard touchdown electrified the Rams’ fans and widened their lead to 17-3.
- Stafford’s Poise: Guided the offense efficiently, ensuring the Rams maintained control throughout.
Injuries
- Rams: Tight end Tyler Higbee (chest) and Witherspoon (thigh) left the game and did not return.
- Vikings: Offensive lineman Brian O’Neill was evaluated for a concussion.
Looking Ahead
The Rams advance to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round, setting up a clash of top-tier defenses. Meanwhile, the Vikings face questions about Sam Darnold’s long-term future after consecutive poor performances to close the season.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.