The Los Angeles Rams started the playoffs with a dominant 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night as part of NFL Wild Card Weekend.
The game was played at State Farm Stadium, the home field of the Arizona Cardinals, due to the ongoing wildfires in Southern California.
In what has been a difficult situation for everyone involved, the Rams attempted to keep their focus on the game itself while also being sensitive to those affected by the tragedy.
Matthew Stafford spoke to ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the victory and said the Rams were to give the people of Los Angeles something to cheer about:
“I mean, we knew what we were playing for today. It was go get this win, but man this is for the people of Los Angeles struggling right now. It’s been unbelievable to watch the whole community, the state, the country kind of get behind them. It’s a tough time to be back there, and we’re just happy that we came out and played like this to give (Los Angeles) something to be happy about tonight.”
Stafford added that the Rams were determined to defeat the Vikings for the city:
“We just know what’s going on back home, felt really motivated to play for the people of the city. It’s been a hell of a week so we’re happy to come out with a win.”
The Rams entered their matchup against the Vikings as 2.5-point underdogs but looked like the superior team from the start. L.A. scored a touchdown on their opening drive of the game and forced two turnovers in the first half.
Sean McVay’s team took a commanding 24-3 lead into halftime and held the Vikings to just six points over the final two quarters. The defense came up big with nine sacks on former USC Trojans star Sam Darnold, who looked uncomfortable for most of the game.
The Rams will now shift their focus to the Philadelphia Eagles, who are coming off a 22-10 win over the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round. The matchup is scheduled for Sunday at 12 p.m. PT, with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line.
Rams’ Tyler Higbee expected to play against Eagles
The Rams’ win over the Vikings unfortunately came at a cost as Tyler Higbee exited in the first half due to a chest injury. The 32-year-old led the team with five receptions and 58 receiving yards before leaving the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said Higbee was transported to a local hospital after spitting up blood but is fine now and should be able to suit up against the Eagles on Sunday.
