For the ultimate matchup of the wildcard spherical, the Vikings had been on the highway to face the Rams. It was imagined to be a house recreation for Los Angeles. Nonetheless, LA wildfires pressured the sport to be moved to a impartial website within the Arizona Cardinals’ dwelling stadium. The Rams rallied behind their metropolis and used that as motivation heading into the playoffs.
Los Angeles shortly jumped out to a 7-0 lead they usually by no means gave it up. Towards the 14-3 Vikings, the Rams’ protection performed arguably their greatest recreation 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 taking part in any higher than they’ve been over the past month. Vikings QB Sam Darnold was sacked 9 instances by the Rams on Monday evening. A postseason franchise report 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 in a position to transfer the ball offensively and their protection held the Vikings to 9 factors. Los Angeles’ protection got here to play in opposition to Minnesota they usually had Sam Darnold feeling the stress all evening. The Rams had 9 sacks on Monday, tied for probably the most in a playoff recreation in the course of the trendy Tremendous Bowl period. It was an all-out dominant efficiency by Los Angeles on protection.
Moreover, the Rams pressured 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 recreation. Cornerback Cobie Durant had the one interception of the sport for the Rams. Los Angeles can get pleasure from their win for twenty-four hours however they’ve an especially powerful matchup within the divisional spherical. They are going to be on the highway 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 in opposition to their second matchup vs. Philadelphia.