NFL

NFL Wild Card: Fans Respond To Los Angeles Rams Bucking History, Eliminating Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings

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Historically, the Los Angeles Rams endured a long, often painful playoff experience against the Minnesota Vikings. 

Beginning in 1969, the Vikings earned the win in what was the Western Conference championship contest. Five years later, the Rams dropped an NFC title game to the Vikings, then again in 1976. In ‘77, the Rams lost another postseason game to the Vikings, this time in the divisional round. The teams met again in ‘78, and the Rams earned some redemption. 

The Rams and Vikings renewed their playoff rivalry Monday night as the Rams made modern history by utilizing a strong first half, earning a 27-9 NFL Wild Card victory at State Farm Stadium. The venue switch was needed because of the current fire crisis engulfing Los Angeles County. 

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who rallied the Rams after they started the regular season 1-4, will lead the Rams against the host Philadelphia Eagles in a divisional matchup next Sunday.

X (Twitter) users responded Monday night to the way the Rams, who compiled six first-half sacks, handed the Vikings, the NFL’s first 14-win Wild Card club, during a dominant opening 30 minutes. And they continued to put on the pressure … 

In a time of need, the Wild Card weekend finale was moved out of fiery Los Angeles County to Glendale, Arizona … 

By rail, plane, car and bus, Rams fans made their way to Arizona with high anticipation … 

The Rams showed their support for firefighters…  

The Vikings’ defense only surrendered two opening-series touchdowns during the regular season. The Rams made it 1-for-1 in the playoffs as running back Kyren Williams converted a well-designed play-action pass. With Stafford rolling to his left, the quarterback looked back over the middle for a 5-yard score … 

With Stafford off to a hot start, the Rams claimed a 10-0 lead on their second possession, capped by Joshua Karty’s 34-yard field goal … 

Trailing 10-3, the Vikings thought they came up with a scoop-and-score, but replay officials overturned the call. North Carolina coach Bill Belichick disagreed with the call … 

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold enjoyed a career resurgence this season, until the last two weeks. Playing with his right pinky wrapped, Darnold threw behind wide receiver Jordan Addison on a third-down pass that was intercepted by Cobie Durant, who collected a first-half sack and interception … 

Things continued to get worse for Darnold, who was under constant pressure, which he didn’t handle well. This sack-fumble was returned by Jared Verse, who executed a Superman dive at the goal line …

Stafford capped the big first half for the Rams with a 13-yard TD pass to wide receiver Davis Allen. For fantasy football fans, Stafford compiled 18.12 points in just 29:45 … 

Ending a prolonged offensive funk, tight end T.J. Hockenson scored on a 26-pass from Darnold with 5:05 remaining in the third quarter. It was the Vikings’ first TD in their last 21 total series. Behind Darnald, a first-time Pro Bowler this season, they sputtered the rest of the way … 

Final score: Rams 27, Vikings 9 …