On the field, the Rams wasted no time, taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter with a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Stafford to running back Kyren Williams and a 34-yard field goal by Joshua Karty.
Leading 10-3 in the second quarter, Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, forcing a fumble. Rookie linebacker Jared Verse scooped up the ball and ran 57 yards for a touchdown. Minutes later, Stafford connected with tight end Davis Allen for a 13-yard touchdown, pushing the Rams’ lead to 24-3 at halftime.
The Rams’ defense wreaked havoc, sacking Darnold six times in the first half and forcing two turnovers, one of which resulted in a touchdown. In total, the Rams sacked Darnold nine times, tying an NFL playoff record.
In the fourth quarter, Vikings linebacker Michael Hoecht and rookie defensive tackle Braden Fiske sacked Darnold for the team’s seventh sack of the game. Hoecht honored his city by flashing the “LA” sign after the play.
Stafford spoke about the emotional weight of the game after the victory. “It was a tough week for us, a bunch of moving parts. Our organization did a hell of a job taking care of us,” he said. “We knew what we were playing for today. It’s unbelievable to watch the whole community, the state, the country get behind [Los Angeles].”
The Rams will next face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
