The Los Angeles Rams played with a heavy heart on Monday night.
With the Los Angeles Fire Department emblazoned on the coach's chest and wildfires raging in Southern California, the Rams cruised to a 27-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay celebrates Davis Allen's touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL wild card playoff football game on Monday, January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Reacted to the catch. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Due to the fire, the game was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. But the fans showed up in full force and were treated to a big win from the boys in blue and gold.
We started with defense in earnest. The Rams sacked Darnold nine times, six times in the first half and three more times in the second half. Jared Verse also recovered a Darnold fumble in the second quarter and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford didn't have to do much. He completed 19 of 27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown was by Kyren Williams and the other by Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl champion quarterback completed passes to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Coby Turner, 91, faces Minnesota Vikings quarterback Koby Turner during the first half of an NFL Wild Card Playoff football game on Monday, January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. Celebrating Sam Darnold's sack with Byron Young (0). . (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Roger Goodell talks about NFL's decision to move Rams vs. Vikings playoff game amid Los Angeles wildfires
The defense has returned Darnold to the player he was early in his career. He was slow with his passes and looked indecisive for most of the game.
Despite having a great season, he finished with 245 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, winning 25 of 40 playoff games. The lone score came from 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 divisional round for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams will now face the Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams will face off on Sunday at 3:00 pm ET.
The Vikings could start the offseason and ultimately decide what to do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was called up in the offseason after JJ McCarthy suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training camp.
Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson, 87, hits the 26-footer against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. Chasing the catch for yards and a touchdown. (AP Photo/Rick Scutelli)
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Minnesota will now have to decide whether to hand over the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold for at least one more season.
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