RAMS DEFENSE DOMINATE VIKINGS IN NFL WILD CARD GAME AT STATE FARM STADIUM
AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Glendale, AZ - With nearly a week gone by since the beginning of the Los Angeles fires, the Rams held their chin up high and shut out the, 14-3, Vikings on Monday Night Football.
This was the matchup that followed the shootout between the Buccaneers and the Commanders Sunday night, and it delivered. The Rams were the underdogs against the Vikings, though previously winning their game in Week 8, with a 20-30 score.
However, even with Minnesota being the heavy favorites, many analysts argued that the Rams had the desire to win for Los Angeles, and spread hope across a decimated community.
The Rams would do exactly that with Matthew Stafford being perfect in his first 10 attempts going 10/10 for 109 yards and a touchdown. The ex-Georgia Bulldog QB would finish with 209 yards and 2 touchdowns through 19 completions.
Tyler Higbee held the highest amount of yards in the game with 58 yards though leaving the game by the fourth quarter with a chest injury. He reportedly spit out blood and was hospitalized but released early Monday morning.
Nacua and Kupp would follow with 73 yards combined, but the true heroes of the field were the defense as they tied an NFL record of 9 sacks in a playoff game.
Chris Shula has put himself on the map in his first year, as the Rams defensive coordinator, following the departure of Raheem Morris to the Falcons. His defense wasn’t able to stop Darnold in the air as he still managed to put up 245 yards in 25 completions, but the constant pressure and possession changes allowed Darnold with more opportunities to score and to fail.
Los Angeles has been criticized for their cornerback room granted that they were susceptible to explosive plays. Yet the defensive back group was special against the Vikings' protections. Quinten Lake, Witherspoon, and Durant all landed chip shots on Darnold in heavy pressure.
In two separate plays, Kobie Durant stole the show early as he got a drive ending sack and interception both in the second quarter that allowed LA to take the lead.
The Rams are also one of the lowest ranked defensive groups against the run. The horns allow around 124 yards per game and 4.6 yards per attempt. LA was not that in the Wild Card match. Through both Jones and Akers, Minnesota combined for 87 yards through four quarters with LA forcing throws to try and play catch up.
With the game being held in Arizona, LA gave the city something to cheer about and forced people to second guess their picks for their match against Philadelphia on Sunday.
The two will face off for the second time this year and the run defense will need to heavily improve with Saquon Barkley looking to get another 255 yard game. LA will have a handful to manage on Sunday, but one thing is certain, LA learns from their mistakes.
